Obituary of Deloris M. Belair

Hilton - Deloris Mae Belair, 81, passed away on February 16, 2025 following a difficult battle with Alzheimer’s. She was predeceased by her devoted husband, Neil, in 2023. Deloris is survived by her children, Jennifer (Thomas) Gier, William (Danielle) Belair, Susan (Jeffrey) Gramowski, and James (Carey) Belair; her grandchildren, Jacquelyn Gier, Nicholas, Joseph, Michael W., Katherine, Madeline, and Michael R. Belair, Daniel and Elizabeth Gramowski; her beloved twin sister, Diane Merkel; her brothers-in-law, Ronald Soule and Dan Whipkey; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. She was predeceased by her loving sister, Kathleen Soule; her brother-in-law, James Merkel; and her sister-in-law, Dolores Whipkey. 

Deloris worked for Newcomb McCann Insurance Agency for 30 years as a successful agent. She will be remembered for the wonderful love she had for her family and being a very actively involved parent, her community participation, and her talented artistic endeavors. 

Throughout her life, Deloris volunteered in a number of community organizations including Hilton Apple Festival, CampFire Girls Leader, St. George’s Church as a Senior Warden, Boy Scouts, Hilton Music Boosters, Hilton Olympic Celebration Committee, T.O.P.S., as well as many others.

Every Christmas, Deloris created a unique craft item for each member of her family - there were rows of stockings, penguins, mice, gingerbread men and santas over the years. She enjoyed basket weaving, painting ceramics, calligraphy, painting pictures, sewing, reading, gardening and baking cookies (although not the cleanup!). Deloris delighted in traveling and wintering in Florida with her husband and her sisters. She took great pleasure in meeting her twin Diane (almost daily) for lunch, and continued to have monthly luncheons throughout her life with her wonderful high school friends, as well as friends from community organizations she had met. 

A Celebration of Life for Deloris will be held over the summer; arrangements will be announced in the future.

In memory of Deloris, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Association Rochester and Finger Lakes Region, 200 Meridian Centre Blvd., Suite 110, Rochester, NY 14618. To donate online, click on the charity name and you will be redirected to the website.