Dolores W. Grimstead - Cremation Society of Virginia

Dolores W. Grimstead

June 25, 1935 - May 6, 2019

Norfolk ~ Dolores W. Grimstead passed away peacefully on May 6, 2019 with her children at her side. She was predeceased by her husband Lloyd.

A lifelong Norfolk resident, Dolores graduated from Norview High School, earned an undergraduate degree from Longwood University and a Master’s Degree from the College of William and Mary. She began her career at Oscar Smith High School and completed it at Kempsville High School, teaching United States History. She sponsored numerous activities, including cheerleading, the senior class, and the yearbook. She also served as a mentor to many new teachers, providing guidance, a nonjudgmental ear, and lots of laughter.

Dolores was active in her church, having served on the vestry and as an acolyte, lay chalicer, lay Eucharistic minister, and lay reader.

She is survived by her children Lisa Kopacz and her husband Steve, Tina Rider and her husband Tim, daughter-in-law Doreen Kopacz, and her grandchildren Sara and Jake Rider, and Alicia Meenan. Also surviving are her sisters Velma DePowell (Andy), Karen Liles (Lewis), and Judy Jugan. She was dearly loved by her family and friends.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2019, at 10 AM at the Church of the Epiphany, 1530 Lafayette Blvd, Norfolk. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Church of the Epiphany Memorial Fund.

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Norfolk ~ Dolores W. Grimstead passed away peacefully on May 6, 2019 with her children at her side. She was predeceased by her husband Lloyd. A lifelong Norfolk resident, Dolores graduated from Norview High School, earned an undergraduate degree from Longwood University and a Master’s Degree from the College of William and Mary. She began…

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Mrs. Grimstead was my Government teacher my senior year at Kempsville in 1986. She was my favorite and most memorable teacher. Always funny and always thoughtful. I didn’t engage in much during High School, but in her class I was the person everyone wanted on their current events team. I remember some days it seemed we were having our own conversation while the rest of the class slept. I was just thinking about her yesterday and wondering if she was still around, as I had written and gotten passed a Citizen Petition at Town meeting in the little town in which I live. I was also on the Historical Commission and restored a really old C1686 house, so I guess those conversations about Government and History had an impact on my life, as I didn’t have any other formal history or government classes afterwards. She made a difference for the better in my life and that of many others. May she Rest In Peace.

I had your mother as a health and physical education teacher and cheerleading sponsor and Keyette Club sponsor at Oscar Smith High School in the early 1960s. She was my mentor and I majored in health and physical education and taught school because of her positive influence on my life. She and I met at the English Rose Tea Room for lunch a year or so ago. This past week was teacher appreciation week. I cut out an article from the Virginian Pilot that I was going to mail her and learned today of her passing. I dearly loved her and she knew it. Please allow me to know when her Celebration of Life Service will take place - 482 3625. I send my heartfelt condolences.

Lisa , Your mom was such a bright light in this world ! I'll always remember her mischievous smile as she threatened to separate us in church. Continue to keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers .

Lisa-- We are so sad to learn of your mother's passing. Both of us thought the world of her. We can only imagine how much you will miss her. We know that she left you with a lifetime of happy memories. Susanna and Brian

Tina and Lisa---I am so very sorry to hear about the passing of your mother. She was a remarkable woman who loved you both fiercely. I feel very fortunate to count her as a long-time friend, someone who would sit on rocks while I photographed a sunset, someone who would sleep in a tent among the howling coyotes, and someone who was adventurous enough to ride a helicopter over Mount Rushmore. May her love for you sustain you both, now and in the future. She will be sorely missed. Love, Mary and David

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

We are so sorry to hear about Delores passing. We loved that lady!! Full of life and adventure. My heart is sad. Prayers for her family. She will surely be missed. Cathy and Chips

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.