McGuire, Delores "Dolly" Viola (Plaza)

Delores "Dolly" Viola (Plaza) McGuire, a spirited soul who graced the earth with her presence for 92 years, died on May 13, 2024 at CrestRidge Senior Living in Dodgeville, Wis.

Born on January 8, 1932, she was the only daughter of Michael Jr. and Viola (Sobieski) Plaza. Dolly's life was colored by the hard work of rural life in South Fork, Wis. She was one of four graduates who earned a high school diploma from South Fork School in 1949, a time when many kids were needed at home for work. As a young single woman, she explored life in the city, living with family and working in Milwaukee.

Dolly tied the knot with Urban McGuire on October 28, 1955 and moved to Highland, Wis. Five children graced their home in rapid succession: Ann McGuire, Castle Rock, Wis; Peggy McGuire, Steamboat Springs, Colo.; Michael (Karen) McGuire, Dakota, Minn; and twins Lisa (Dan Nondorf) McGuire, Highland, Wis., and Lee McGuire, Grand View, Wis.

She believed in hard work and as a mother of five, she worked outside the home. Dolly's Dew Drop Inn was an early venture cafe on Highland's Main Street. Beyond the kitchen, she worked at local dental and medical clinics, volunteered with EMS and, later in life, returned to the kitchen at Highland Schools. She cherished the camaraderie of the school community over the years, both the staff and the kids.

Dolly's fiery Polish spirit shone brightly through her love for the color red and her staunch tradition of donning it on St. Patrick's Day, a subtle protest against her husband's Irish heritage. The foods of her childhood remained comfort foods for life; kapusta (cabbage) in all its forms and Easter morning borscht, a tradition carried on by family.

Dolly found joy amidst the bounty of her garden and in the hum of her lawnmower. The lively strains of polka music, especially Molly B,, kept her toes tapping. A bit of harmless gambling and traveling adventures, including skydiving, river rafting and hot air ballooning, added spice to her days, a testament to her adventurous spirit. She even enjoyed causing a bit of mischief in teaching the caregivers at CrestRidge some choice Polish words.

Dolly loved all of her grandchildren: Heather (Frank) Rose, Errin Nondorf, Lacy Zielinski, Chad Nondorf, Ethan (Marissa) McGuire, Alexandria McGuire, Hayli (Dan) Russell and Jacob McGuire. She was blessed with great-grandchildren, too: Ava, Brynn, Cora, Grayson, Anna and Reya. Dolly was proud to be twice blessed as part of five living generations following the birth of her first granddaughter and then again with her first great-granddaughter, crediting good Polish genes for the longevity.

She was preceded in death by her husband, parents and her brother, Carl Plaza; great-granddaughters Hope and Brooke; and parents-in-law, Leo and Magdalene McGuire. Dolly will be missed by her family, including sister-in-law, Rosemary Laufenberg, and cousin and lifelong friend, Jeanette Kramer.

Her faith was steadfast as a member of the Ss. Anthony and Philip Parish. Join her family to bid her farewell and celebrate a life lived by an independent spirit on Friday, June 7, at Ss. Anthony and Philip Catholic Church in Highland, Wis. Visitation will be held from 9:45 AM until 11:45 AM, with a memorial mass following at 12 noon. Please plan to wear red in her honor. 

The family wishes to thank the staff at CrestRidge Senior Living for their patient care. 

Reszta w brzoskwini, Delores.

The McGuire-Peterson-Houck Funeral Home, Highland, is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.houckfuneralhomes.com

McGuire-Peterson-Houck 

Funeral Home

Highland   •  608-929-4815

www.houckfuneralhomes.com