Dolores Bliss Obituary

I was deeply saddened to hear of Mrs. Bliss' passing. She was one of the most inspirational teachers I ever had the privilege of knowing. All of the time and effort she put into not only her everyday teaching responsibilities, but the countless variety and holiday shows she directed is evidence of how much she truly cared for her work and the students she taught. Her legacy is in the many students who now, as adults, fully appreciate the dedication of this fine woman and take her lessons with them for use in their own lives. My sincere condolences to the Bliss family.

My deepest sympathies to the Bliss family on your loss. I was a student of Ms. bliss some years back at irving school and she had always encouraged me and all her students to be more, to look deeper, to really appreaciate music. Because it was not just music she was teaching, she was teaching how to communicate with others beyond words in peace. where a world seams not to value anything anymore she helped us to see the beautiful music. I hope this scripture will give you a measure of comfort, Revelation 21:4

My deepest sympathies to Dolores' family. I was a student of hers at Irving many years ago and was so saddened to hear of her passing. She not only could teach us to appreciate music, but almost effortlessly kept us in line! She had so much energy and talent. The world lost a wonderful woman, but the heavens have found a new leader of the chorus. Thanks for the music and memories, Mrs. Bliss

Mrs. Bliss was one of my favorite teachers. She had a very magical way of bringing us all together through music. The programs that we all shared in, back in our grade school days, are one's that I will never forget and will always cherish as they were truly one of kind. I adored Mrs. Bliss not just for her professionalism as a teacher, but also on a more personal level. She is someone that will be truly missed and always remembered.

Please accept my deepest sympathy.

It is with heartfelt sadness that I read of Mrs. Bliss's passing. But it is with heartfelt love that I remember her! When I first came to Irving in 1973, she took me under wing, probably because I was one of the few guys who was willing to sing out loud. And she even helped me to believe that I could sing "on key"! Reading the comments of my fellow Irving students, it is obvious that Mrs. Bliss touched the hearts and souls of so many of us. She was truly an exemplary teacher. I will always hope that at least a portion of her wit and wisdom accompanies me through life. And I wish she was still here now, as she could have probably convinced my wife that I USED TO be able to sing on key! Thank you Mrs. Bliss! You will be missed...and remembered!

Mrs. Bliss had an amazing combination of empathy, enthusiasm, high expectations and competence. I can't think of another teacher who had such a profound effect on me. I still think of her and the amazing music programs she championed during my grade school days.

I am sad to know that she has passed on. Please accept my sympathy.

I would like to exend my deepest sympathy to the family of Mrs.
Bliss for their loss. She was the best of the best. She even tried to get me to sing in tune with others(which is very difficult to do). She will forever remain in our memories and our hearts. She is with the LORD now... Rest in peace - sweet lady....

"Of Irving we'll always be singing, there's just one, only one." And there was only one Mrs. Bliss. She was the most compassionate teacher I ever encountered throughout all my school years. She not only taught me, but my two brothers before me also and I know I always looked forward to all the school productions and singing in the chorus as did my brothers. She made class an enjoyable place to be on a daily basis. She was truly an angel and will be missed dearly. Our sympathies go out to Mr. Bliss and all the family. God Speed Mrs. Bliss.

Mrs. Bliss will live on in the memories of those she taught. She left a lasting impression on me. All our best to her family.

It is hard to imagine a world without Mrs. Bliss. She was a strong, vibrant, energetic and amazing woman. I still remember the many songs she taught us, the Spring shows, Christmas shows and more. One of my strongest memories of middle school is singing in the chorus at one of the shows, feeling tall and proud, and knowing that my parents were looking on. Her inspiration lives on in us all.

Most of my and my husband’s siblings, even some of our kids were taught by Mrs. Bliss through her decades at Irving. We and my classmates still share our great memories of her. Two things I remember and admire was her inclusiveness of each student to “be a part” of her musicals, if they liked it or not! In English class, she could handily dispense herself an “attitude adjustment” to our adolescent class clowns - despite being across from Mr. Hurst's office! Plus, how did she teach all day in those high heels?! Just amazing! She has left behind quite a legacy of amateur and pro singers/musicians. Mrs Bliss has surely earned her place in heaven for all the students she has touched! Our deepest sympathy to her family and friends.

I was shocked when Jenny Conti called to tell me Mrs. Bliss had passed away. She-so strong, petite, click-clacking her way across a room (or gym) to the piano where her fingers would fly across the keys, as her voice carried throughout the entire school! Who didn't want to be in the Spring Program? Or Irvingettes? Or perform a musical under her direction and guidance? She pushed you to your potential and encouraged you until you sang with passion - whether it was perfect or not! What an amazing person! I teach and have worked in many schools around parts of Texas and in Germany, and have yet to find a music teacher to this day as talented as she. I have fond memories of "The Way We Were," "LeRoy Brown," "The Sound of Music," "The West Side Story," and the famous blue jumpers! Mrs. Bliss was a treasure sent from above and brightened many lives. She will be missed dearly! My condolences to Mr. Bliss and the Bliss Family.

I was greatly saddened upon hearing about the passing of Mrs. Bliss. From Kindergarten to 8th grade, she filled my school years with song. Many of my brightest memories of those years were the wonderful musical productions that she organized and produced: from the big Christmas productions and Halloween sings to the impromptu sing-alongs in her classroom. I also remember her for her kindness and compassion. It is only now, looking back as an adult that I can truly appreciate the time, effort and self-sacrifice she gave to her students. Thank you Mrs. Bliss, I look forward to hearing you sing again when I (hopefully) reach Heaven.

I fondly remember Mrs. Bliss from Irving. I was new to public school and to having a music class. She realized immediately that I was clueless, tone deaf and had no rythym. Instead of making me feel foolish, she differentiated by allowing me to do reports instead of perform things I couldn't do. I tell my own students how wonderful it was to have her understand how hard music was for me and make it easier.

The influence Mrs Bliss had on my 3 sons will never be forgotten. She helped me mold 3 young boys into 3 fine men.
We under estimate the power of teachers. Especially ones like Dolores Bliss.

She will long be remembered for her
enthusiasm for life and music.

Our deepest sympathy to her family.
From the Bermann Family
Mom Terry and sons Tim, Todd and
Toby

Our class of 1954 has maintained our friendships for over 50 years. Whenever we get together we remember our teachers and the influence they had on us. Mrs. Bliss touched so many hearts. We still remember the words to the songs she taught us, even the Hawaiian ones. Years ago we reconnected via the telephone and it was the same warm person I knew as a student in her music class. We don't always tell our teachers how much they mean to us or how they influenced our lives but I think she knew. To have taught for so many years.....to have given so much of herself.......to have encouraged those with talent and to have embraced those who tried so hard but just couldn't get it......from all of us to her we say "thank you". We have much to value in our lives because she gave us the best gift of all 'the gift of her time and her talent". From the class of 1954 we extend our sympathy to all her family and friends.

I am so sad to hear about the passing of that great teacher and person I can only remember as "Mrs. Bliss." It is hard to look at those red bricked walls of Irving School and not remember those warm evenings when the Spring Program was in full swing--our little Broadway in Berwyn! She took us all--with or without talent--and made us look and sound great up on that stage. And what energy!! Just think, my fellow Class of 75ers: We are now the same age she was when we were in 8th grade!

There is one song she taught us that always brought tears to my eyes--

Today while the blossoms still cling to the vine
I'll taste your strawberries and drink your sweet wine
A million tomorrows shall all pass away
Ere I forget the joy that is mine today.

Thanks, Mrs. Bliss, for all of the joy you brought us then and still bring us, through our memories, today.

I will never forget Mrs. Bliss and all of the wonderful things she used to do with us. I remember my 8th grade year, instead of music, we watched Back to the Future. She will be missed greatly and I feel so lucky having had her as one of my teachers.

I was saddened at the passing of my favorite teacher Mrs. Bliss. She was an amazing person and extraordinary teacher. The Christmas and Spring programs at Irving School were nothing short of magical. We would work so hard on those productions because of her energy and enthusiasm. I'll never forget - Mrs. Bliss and one of the dad's sang a duet - "Porgy & Bess" - at our Spring program. She had a booming opera voice and I remember sitting and watching that duet from the bleachers in awe. I will always appreciate learning all those show tunes. Mrs. Bliss would sit behind that piano and sing her heart out - you couldn't help but sing along with the same gusto. Does anyone remember - I think it was Karen Conti who re-wrote the words to "Dear Hearts and Gentle People" and changed it to "Dear Heart and Gentle Person" (one of the songs from our Spring program). We asked her to play it for us one last time before graduation only she didn't know we had changed the words. When she realized what was happening she was crying so hard she had to stop playing the piano to wipe her eyes. She will always remain an important part of my happiest memories at Irving School. My sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Mr. Bliss and family.

Irving children were so lucky to be a part of your music, Mrs. Bliss. No other school that I know of had anything like the spring and Christmas programs. I was honored to be part of those programs, too (choreographer for many years), even though I worried how everything was going to come together. Somehow, it always did, Mrs. Bliss: You were the optimistic one. Marilyn Conti, Berwyn, Illinois

We called you 'Auntie Dotsie' after you shared your nickname with us. You also shared your love of music and of life and by your example of giving, helped us to become better people. Although I was the fourth of six siblings to become your student, you accepted me for who I am without expectations. I'll always smile when I think of you.

Mrs. Bliss was my music teacher from 1980 to 1983 and, although I can't really carry a tune, the memories of music class and the big Spring Show are some of the most vivid and treasured from grade school. She was a wonderful teacher and really loved and connected with her students. My sympathy to her family. God bless all of you!

Mrs. Bliss was my favorite teacher of all time. Her love of music and her students was evident at all times. She nurtured my love of music and performing. I loved being in all of her shows, being an Irvingette and just sitting in her class. She was a gem. I am a teacher now and I often think of her when I teach. I want to be sure that I have an impact on my students as she had on me. She was dearly loved. God bless her and may she teach the angels to sing up in heaven.
Annemarie Bilich Onesti

I was saddened to hear of the passing of our dear, beloved Mrs. Bliss. She was my 8th grade teacher at Irving (1977 graduating class), and my music teacher for many years. I enjoyed being a student of hers because she always had a smile for everyone and took such pride in teaching. My heart goes out to her family for their great loss. I know she is up in heaven singing with the angels.

I am a piano teacher today because of Mrs. Bliss's faith in me as a musician and person. She had amazing energy, and none of us who lived through her school programs will ever forget her (or Mr. Hurst's singing!)

Dolores Bliss was 1 in a million. Our family is richer for having known her. THANK YOU! Kaye and John Bilich Berwyn, Il.

Mrs. Dolores Bliss was an inspiration to me at Irving School during 1965-1967 and remains so today. Her extraordinary passion for teaching and for her students is etched in my memory. My deepest sympathy to Mr. Walter Bliss and family.

I loved the school plays that we used to have at good old Irving School. She was a real trooper! One of my best teachers. Love you.

I will never forget the musical productions at Irving School. I have never come across a music teacher so energetic and dedicated as Mrs. Bliss. Her memory has stayed with me all these years and will forever. I graduated from Irving in 1970. My sincerest condolences to her family. Please know how many lives she touched so lovingly through her passion in education.

Would like to exend my deepest sympathy in the loss of dear Mrs.
Bliss. She will always be an important part of the happy memories
at Irving for me and my family.
Ellen Boyd and family
(Grayslake, Il)

Dolores was a beloved lady to all of us who knew her, sang with her, and were her "students" in her Tues.morning music class at Noah's Ark. There is no replacement for our loss. I know many others share my grief and sadness. To me, the Ark will never be the same without our "music lady." Bob & I send our condolences to you, Wally.

Mrs. Bliss was my music teacher when I attended Irving School from 6th through 8th grades. She was a very pleasant, energetic, enthusiastic, and inspiring person. She was always smiling and bubbly. I am sure she is part of the reason I love music and singing so much. I still remember singing "Old Cotton Fields" and doing a country dance at our show! Also, 8th grade graduation with the Kenny Rogers song, "Through the Years." Mrs. Bliss used to do a duet and sing an Irish song during our shows. I became a music teacher myself (although I now teach second grade), and I sing and write songs, and I am sure that Mrs. Bliss' enthusiasm and inspiration helped me to achieve these things. She will be remembered fondly.

How can I put into words how lucky I feel to have known Mrs. Bliss? Her encouragement of my reading and singing, her enthusiasm for all kinds of music, her spirited determination in putting on all those productions! Her kindness above all. I would sing my heart out for Mrs. Bliss. I watched every year while the 8th graders sang "Remember" and cried, and finally, in 1973, I was graduating, and Mrs. Bliss taught us the "Remember" song. At graduation, while we were singing it and crying, I saw that, while she was playing the piano accompaniment, Mrs. Bliss was crying, too!

"Remember the songs we sang here,
Remember our joys so true.
Remember the lessons learned here;
We won't forget as we start anew.
Remember the friendships made here;
We'll hold them closer, too.
Remembering is all we'll have now,
So try and remember too."

I will always remember Mrs. Bliss with tremendous love, respect, and undying gratitude.

How lucky to have shared a part of your life. You taught Merry, Bobby, Barb, Pam. Dave and Jimmy the love of music. It has enriched our lives. You will never leave us.
Bob and I thank you "most sincerely".