March 7, 1932 – June 13, 2025
Dolores was born on March 7, 1932, in Summit, Illinois at Oakpark Hospital to Sylvia and James Zvonecek. From an early age, she embraced life with a spirit of joy, compassion, and strength. She attended Nazareth Academy, at the time an all-girls school, where she nurtured her love of learning and began building the unwavering character and grace that would define her life.
On August 28, 1954, Dolores married the love of her life, John Novotny, in Berwyn, Illinois. They were introduced by John’s sister Dorothy in 1952 and married August 28, 1954. Their extraordinary union, rooted in friendship and faith, lasted nearly 71 years and stands as a testament to enduring love and mutual devotion. Together, they built a life filled with family, faith, and community in moving to Colorado after John’s service during the Korean War.
Dolores and John were faithful members of St. Peter Catholic Church in Monument, where they worshipped and served for over 50 years. Her heart for service extended far beyond her home. Dolores spent 25 years as head cashier at the El Paso County Motor Vehicle Department, and in retirement, she dedicated herself to volunteering at Memorial Hospital in Colorado Springs and to the Stephen Ministry at St. Peter, providing support, care, and companionship to those in need.
A woman of deep warmth, humor, and quiet strength, Dolores’s legacy lives on in her beloved family. She is preceded in death by her oldest son, John Novotny (dec. 1992); and is survived by her devoted husband, John Novotny; and their children: James Novotny (Nancy), Judi Havens (Jeff), and Paul Novotny (Wendy); and younger brother, Gerard Zvonecek.
She is also lovingly remembered by her nine grandchildren: Kristen Henman (Vince), Kara Mansour (Parker), Kelsey Urie (James), Addison Brewster (Monica), Spencer Brewster (Alexandria), Anastacia Brewster, Amanda Novotny (Dylan Arthur), Chessa Schaffer (Austin), and John Novotny.
Her joy continued with the blessing of ten great-grandchildren: Huntley, Cashlyn, Noble, Carter, Ada, Noah, Archer, Zyla, Rowen, and Sylvia.
Family was at the center of Dolores’s world. She created countless cherished memories, especially through her love of the Christmas season, during which she joyfully hosted her family for annual Christmas Eve celebrations filled with warmth, laughter, and tradition.
Her life was a reflection of grace, love, and quiet service. Those fortunate enough to know Dolores will remember her gentle strength, her compassionate spirit, and the way she made everyone feel cared for and welcomed.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, an organization dear to Dolores’s heart.
Dolores Pauline Novotny’s life was a blessing to all who knew her. Though she will be deeply missed, the love she gave so freely continues to echo through generations.