Dolores A. Alonzo

Dolores Alonzo, 88, passed away on February 18, 2026.

Born September 23, 1937, in Saratoga Springs, NY, she was the eldest child of Joseph and Dorothy Alonzo. A graduate of Saratoga Springs High School, she married William Diggins and raised her family while simultaneously putting herself through college.

She went on to become a registered nurse, starting her career with New York State at Mount McGregor Psychiatric Hospital and later at the Wilton Developmental Center. As a nurse supervisor, she dedicated her career to caring for her clients with deep compassion and respect. Following her retirement, she traveled and lived for a time in Washington, where she earned a degree in theology from Washington State. She later moved to Florida, where she built many friendships and enjoyed her daily swims.

Dolores enjoyed volunteering; As a young mom she was a Cub Scout leader and after retirement she served meals at soup kitchens, worked food pantries, and cared for people at Mary's Haven.  She was a fierce Scrabble player and was known as the "queen of two-letter words”. She loved spending time with her sister, Loralee, going for drives, thrifting and enjoying coffee.

She was predeceased by her parents; her beloved son, David Diggins; her brother, Joseph Alonzo; and her former husband and father of her children, William Diggins.

She is survived by her children, Deborah Merchant (Brian), William Diggins (Kathy), Denise Woodcock (Richard), Patrick Diggins (Lora), and Loralee Diggins; 14 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Loralee Vanhorne; her brother, Phillip Alonzo; her sister and brother-in-law, Michele and Ernest Hammond; her favorite sister-in-law, Elaine Alonzo; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Dolores showed her love quietly. She may not have always had the words to express it to those closest to her, but her love was felt.  Her memory will live on in her family and friends who loved her deeply, and she will be truly missed.

Dolores' family has chosen to honor her privately.  In her memory, we ask those who wish to honor her take a moment each day to be kind to someone they meet: help someone in need, volunteer, or just do something to make someone smile. 

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