Dolores M. Slifer

Dolores M. Slifer, née Markey, was born on July 29, 1934, in Philadelphia and passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026. She joined her family in heaven after a full life focused on her family, faith and her love of nature. As a mother, sister, grandmother, great grandmother and friend; she was always there to share her wisdom and a heartfelt hug.

Dolores was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Harry L. Slifer DO.  She is lovingly remembered and mourned by her devoted sister, Emma Markey McGrath and her six children and their families including daughter Dolores S. Harrison - (Neil Harrison - deceased),  daughter, Lesa S Williams (E. Thomas Williams III), daughter Karen Lee Slifer (Courtney Pearson), son, Harry L Slifer Jr. (Leslie Visco Slifer), daughter, Kathleen S Perry (Allan Perry) and son Dr. Karl J Slifer (Dr Patricia Solvignon Slifer - deceased).  Dolores has  been reunited with three additional sons, who she carried in her heart throughout her life. 

Dolores’ grandchildren and great-grandchildren bring her legacy to life, with countless cherished moments spanning generations. These include her grandchildren Jennifer and husband, Matt Weber, Ellie Weber, Daniel Weber, Kaitlyn and husband, Mike Luepold, Rowyn, Josie and Taylor Luepold, Neil and wife, Emma Harrison and Blake Harrison ,TJ, Ben and Evan Williams, Kassidy, Kole, Kristofer, Klay, Krystal and Kai Slifer, Kyle, Jessica and Blaise Slifer, Anna and Kasey Slifer.

She grew up, Dolores Carolina Markey, daughter of Emma and Joe Markey. Together with her brother, Joe and her sister, Emma, she created memories that she passed along of loving her childhood. Her early years were spent in Philadelphia, and later Huntingdon Valley, PA at a farm her father built; highlighted by horses and her parents’ large extended family. She graduated from St Edmunds Elementary School, Frankford High School and attended Chestnut Hill College. A trip to Germany and France as a young adult aboard the SS United States, was a moment that she treasured.She worked at the family-owned Philadelphia Sawdust Company alongside her father, brother Joe, nephews and her daughter, Lesa. This held a special place in her heart.

She met the love of her life Harry, at 16 when she attended a Halloween party, from that moment on she had found her life partner.They married and moved to Bar Harbor, ME, where she perfected her love of fishing and poker to fill the long hours during Harry's residency. Upon completion, they set up a family medical practice in Northeast Philadelphia and started their family. Her devotion to her family carried her through her life and there was nothing more important than spending time together. Harry and Dolores purchased a piece of what they considered heaven in Ashfield, PA, at the base of the Blue Mountains. For years, the family spent countless days there filled with hikes, badminton, softball, fishing, sunsets followed by a campfire sharing stories, music and penny poker.

Her work ethic was something she passed on to her kids. She was so proud of the work that she did in her later years at Temple Hospital developing a program known as TempleCare. Her drive and kindness and mentoring of her subordinates was key to her success. Upon retiring, Dolores and Harry left the Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood where they had raised their children and settled in Doylestown, PA to be close to family. Holidays and milestones were attended by the large extended family - nothing made her happier. Upon the passing of Harry, March 7,2011, Dolores put on her gypsy shoes and traveled to each of her children’s homes allowing her to be a part of each of our families. She was devoted to her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Her children honed the skill of navigating I95 North to New Hampshire and South to Florida and Virginia. She passed along her love of driving and travel to all of us with a deep appreciation of the beauty of nature as we traveled. It was not uncommon for one to have to stop so Dolores could take a picture of the clouds or point out the beautiful trees.

In her later years, travel slowed down and she split her time between Allentown, PA and Montpelier, VA but never stopped calling Philadelphia her home. She loved cheering on her kids and grandkids and was a bleacher favorite on local high school, college and recreational fields wherever any of her family resided. And no excursion could begin until she had her purse, shoes, jewelry and of course her lipstick. At 91, she still had her own style.

Dolores’ faith was deep, and she passed it along to a family that holds a reverence for spreading Jesus’ word. She knew God had a plan and made sure that to the end she placed her trust in him above all else. Her devotion to the Blessed Mother was a huge piece of her faith she was able to share with her children and grandchildren. Dolores was tenacious, and a loving woman who never failed to give life her all. Every day with her was a gift in its own way, and those blessed to be a part of her family will always carry her lessons, advice, and memories with them.

In memory of Mom and her love of children, donations can be made in her name for  Montgomery Montessori School . This preschool embodies the values she cherished most. 

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 AM on Friday, May 29, 2026, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 235 E. State Street, Doylestown, where relatives and friends will be received from 9:30 AM until 10:15 AM.   Interment will be in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery.