Dollie Dearsman

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dollie (Iris) Dearsman, a loving, adventurous woman who always managed to do things on her terms. She had a bigger than life personality and was loved by many. She placed family above all else, especially when it came to her daughters, often proclaiming how much she enjoyed pushing their buttons and being intricately involved in their lives. She passed peacefully at home surrounded by loving family. Dollie was born October 31, 1953 in Toledo, Ohio. She moved to Port Richey, Florida in 1979, where she remained until her death on March 6, 2026.

Dollie was an avid supporter of the community youth and worked tirelessly for over 20 years with the New Port Richey Pasco Police Athletic League. She provided guidance, mentorship, and a witty sense of humor which positively impacted many of the area youth. Dollie always had a soft spot for kids and wanted to ensure every child had the opportunity to participate in youth sports. She was one in a million that will be greatly missed.

Dollie was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of over 25 years Herbert Dearsman, her daughter Wendi Davenport, and her brother Skip (Richard) Donnelly.

Dollie is survived by her two dedicated daughters Kendra Tezber and Joeyn Dearsman, two step-sons Michael Dearsman and his wife Ann Marie Dearsman and Matthew Dearsman and his wife Arlene Daly-Erhardt. Also survived by two nieces and nephew that were raised more like her children, Rhonda Leger and her husband Brian Leger, Bobbi Donnelly, Michael Donnelly and his wife Valeri Donnelly. Dollie lovingly referred to this group as her 8 pack.

One of her proudest accomplishments was being a grandma and instigating chaos with her grandchildren. She leaves behind 17 grandchildren: Austin Dearsman, Brittanie Duncan, Matalyn Daly, Ridge Dearsman, Luke Davenport, Devin Davenport, Beckham Tezber, Kelci Donnelly, Dillon Donnelly, Julian Donnelly, Jordon Donnelly, Ryan Leger, Steven Leger, Katelyn Leger, Connor Donnelly, Kyle McClure, and Kayla Whytsell, along with two great-grandsons Malachi Dearsman and Micah Dearsman.

She also leaves behind 15 nieces and nephews, two brothers-in-law, and two sisters-in-law. In addition, a special support group that helped immensely with her appointments and daily needs, Linsey Hoskins, Golda Payne, and devoted daughter-in-law Ann Marie. As well as her two elves, Frank Colaprete and Tony Colaprete.

Services will be held at Faupel Funeral Home, 7524 Ridge Rd., Port Richey, FL 34668. Visitation is available on Sunday, March 15th from 2-5pm. 

Funeral service will take place on Monday, March 16th at 11am. Burial will follow at Grace Memorial Gardens, 16931 US Highway 19 North, Hudson, FL 34667.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a private Celebration of Life following the burial at The Kangaroo, 5748 Main St. New Port Richey, FL 34652.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made in Dollie’s memory to St. Jude’s Hospital, to continue her legacy of improving the lives of children.