Dolores Celeste Bello

Dolores Celeste Bello
February 12, 1940 - April 10, 2025

Riverbank, California - Dolores Bello passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family, on April 10, 2025, at the age of 85. She was preceeded in death by her parents Joseph and Mary Bettencourt, husband Joseph Bello, daughter Cathy Jean Bello, and siblings Joseph and Isadura (Mary) Bettencourt.

Dolores was born and raised in Benicia, CA on her family's dairy farm with her siblings and cousins and was a graduate of Benicia High School (1958). During her time on the ranch Dolores spent her days playing and working with her sister Joan and cousin Frances; the three were inseparable and enjoyed their country life.

During her youth Dolores stayed active at St. Dominic's Parish and served as the Benicia Holy Ghost Queen in 1958. In 1959 Dolores married Joseph and moved to Oakdale where they started their family. Together they raised five children and operated their own dairy farm in Manteca. In her retirement Dolores settled in Riverbank.

Dolores's priorities were God and Family. She was a devout Catholic and her family was a central part of her life. She was proud of her Portuguese heritage and was active in celebrating and honoring St. Isabel and Our Lady of Fatima and attending Holy Ghost Festas throughout the Valley and Bay Area.

Dolores will be remembered for her sweet, kind, and gentle nature. She was a family historian always remembering every birthdate and anniversary. Besides spending time with her family, she enjoyed music and travel.

Dolores is survived by her children Joseph Bello, Mary (Mike) Baptista, Anthony Bello, Virginia Bello, and sister Joan Gilbert. She adored her grandchildren Frank Machado, Lacy (Abe) Johnson, Ronnie (Princess) Damato, Stacy (Jeff) Sherrill, Jessey (Stephanie) Bello, Nikki, and Anthony Baptista. She was blessed with ten great-grandchildren, and loved her nieces, nephews, and cousins dearly.

Dolores esta na paz do ceu (Dolores is in the peace of heaven).

Please join us for Dolores's funeral on April 23rd at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1225 Olive St. in Oakdale. Interment will follow at Oakdale Citizens Cemetery.