Winifred Charlotte Dolezal

Winifred “Winnie” Charlotte Dolezal (nee Richardson), age 107, of North Royalton, Ohio, passed away peacefully on September 12, 2026. Beloved wife of the late Leland Charles; loving mother of the late Nancy (Stephen) Mattes, Warren (Heidi) Dolezal, and Roy (the late Judy) Dolezal; cherished grandmother of Heather (James) Novak, Stephen (Rebecca) Mattes, Candace (Nicholas) Lewis, Matthew (Sara) Dolezal, and Katie (Michael) Nary; dear great-grandmother of 12; aunt, cousin, and friend to many. 

Born on June 18, 1919, in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio, to Joel and Susan Richardson, Winnie was the youngest of six children. She graduated from Cuyahoga Falls High School in 1938 and received her teaching certificate from Kent State University in 1940. She spent her entire teaching career in the North Royalton School District, where she taught elementary school (primarily at Valley Vista and Royal View schools) until she retired in 1981. 

She was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star. A dedicated pianist and organist, Winnie could often be found playing music at church or in her own living room. Winnie cherished her family and loved cooking and baking. She was happiest whenever she could bring those joys together, whether it was the grandchildren stopping by for a visit or a large Richardson family gathering. In those moments, she seemed to shine brighter than the sun. 

A memorial service to celebrate Winnie’s life will be held on Saturday, October 17, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Cuyahoga Valley Church, 5055 E. Wallings Road, Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the North Royalton Educational Foundation, 6579 Royalton Road, North Royalton, Ohio 44133, placing “Nancy Mattes Memorial Scholarship” in the memo line or to Cuyahoga Valley Church, 5055 E. Wallings Road, Broadview Heights, Ohio 44147.