Dolores Ann Cicak

A Celebration of the Life of Dolores Ann Cicak (Dee/DeeDee)

Dolores Ann Cicak, lovingly known as Dee to her friends and DeeDee to her family, left this world leaving behind a legacy of creativity, resilience, and boundless love. Born and raised in Clyde, Ohio, as part of the lively Fultz family, Dee's life was anything but typical.

Growing up in an era when women were often confined to roles as secretaries, nurses, or teachers, Dee initially tried her hand at being a secretary. However, she quickly realized that the job's requirements – tight skirts, delivering hot coffee, and the dreaded shorthand – were not for her. Embracing her creative spirit, Dee became a hairdresser while living at the YWCA in Toledo, Ohio. It was during one of her nights out dancing that she met Michael Joseph Cicak. Their whirlwind romance led to a marriage that spanned 66 years. During their marriage, Dee and Michael relocated frequently, moving 18 times in 20 years. Dee’s extraordinary talent for interior design transformed each new home into a masterpiece. With a keen eye for color and a knack for making something out of nothing, she had a magic touch.

Dee had a gift for making everything beautiful. Her home was always adorned with fresh flowers, which she considered a self-reward for quitting smoking. Her flair for arranging blooms was just one of the many ways she brought beauty into everyday life. Dee's life was a testament to creativity, love, and resilience. She was always busy helping someone, usually involving throwing a party or making something beautiful. This included making ribbon wreaths with her dear friends Sharron and Nancy. Dee's warm and welcoming nature made everyone feel like part of the family.

Dee was not just a homemaker and mother; she was also an avid golfer, bowler, tennis player, and sports enthusiast, known for her competitive spirit. She also enjoyed playing gin rummy with her friends. Her love for sports was a testament to her zest for life and her drive to excel in everything she did. Dee and Michael were active participants in the St. Rose parish, further embedding themselves in their community. The arrival of her granddaughters, Adeline Rose and Elenore Brice, brought even more happiness into her life. Saturdays were sacred time she spent with her granddaughters, creating cherished memories that will last forever.

Even as she faced her own challenges, Dee spent the last six years caring for her husband, Mike, who suffers from advanced dementia. Despite being legally blind, Dee’s dedication to her husband never wavered. Hospice care made an immense difference in helping to care for Mike. Although Dee never made it to hospice due to a fall that led to other complications, she left us quickly and did not linger, which was her wish. The family is grateful for the support of hospice.

She leaves behind her devoted husband, Michael, her loving daughter Michelle and son-in-law Ivan, her cherished granddaughters Adeline and Elenore, her sister Marjorie. She is preceded in death by her father, Lewis Fultz, her mother, Marion Fultz (Franks), her sister, Norma Jean (Nause), her brother, William Fultz, and many dear friends too numerous to mention.

A special thank you to Nathan and Patrice for their unwavering support and care at the Cicak home.

Dee’s legacy will live on in the lives she touched and the family she adored. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Dee’s memory by bringing a little more beauty into the world. Arrange some flowers, or simply spend a Saturday with those you love. If monetary donations are more your style, please consider supporting hospice to help them continue making people's lives easier. There will be a small private service for the family held at the gravesite.