DOLORES ANN HALIK

August 25, 1943 – October 1, 2026

Dolores Ann Halik (Piet), affectionately known by all as "Dolly," died peacefully at home on October 1, 2026 at age 83, after a brief and courageous battle with cancer. She leaves behind a life defined by love, generosity, and faith, and she will be dearly missed by all those whose lives she touched.

Dolly is survived by her beloved husband, Jim, of 62 years and their two sons Tim (Peggy) Halik and Tom Halik. Her greatest joy was her family, especially her two cherished grandchildren Teagan Halik and Chase (Summer) Halik. Dolly is also survived by her sister and best friend Barbara (the late John) Zielinski, along with a large and loving extended family of cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, grandnephews, and their spouses. She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Helen Piet; and her brothers Ken (Shirley) Piet and Russell (Jayne) Piet.

Dolly grew up in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Chicago surrounded by her immediate and extended family. She attended St. Mary of Perpetual Help High School where she was classmates with her future husband. A leader from the start, she served as Class President, with Jim serving as her Vice President. After high school, she went on to nursing school. One fateful night, as she walked home from school in the rain, her old classmate Jim drove by and offered her a ride home. He continued to offer her rides home from school until she eventually agreed to go on a date with him - and that is how this six-decade love story began.

A devoted nurse for over 40 years, Dolly began her career at St. Elizabeth Hospital in Chicago, before spending more than 20 years at Edward Hospital, Naperville, where she retired as Director of Emergency and Outpatient Services. Upon her retirement from Edward, she and Jim relocated to Florida where they had built their dream home. There she continued her calling at South Bay Hospital in Sun City Center for nearly 20 more years. As an oncology nurse she cared for the patients facing the hardest diagnoses with a level of compassion and caring that was unmatched.

Dolly and Jim enjoyed traveling together, from cruises throughout the Caribbean and Alaska to road trips to the Great Smoky Mountains, visits to family, a once in a lifetime trip to Hawaii, and many other adventures.

Dolly was a 30-plus-year parishioner of St. Stephen Catholic Church in Riverview, an active member of the Riverview Garden Club, and a dedicated volunteer with the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry.

Dolly was known for her wonderful cooking, her delicious baking, her beautiful gardens, the fun crafts she shared with her grandchildren, her effortless and gracious hospitality, and for always making those who knew her feel absolutely loved to their core.

She will be remembered for the love she gave so freely, the laughter she shared so generously, and the strength with which she cared for her family. She will be forever remembered with love, gratitude, and admiration.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to St. Vincent de Paul Society of St. Stephen Catholic Church, Riverview, FL.

https://ststephencatholic.org/society-of-st-vincent-de-paul