Palmira Marrianne Dexter

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Palmira (Pam) Marianne Dolza Dexter on March 21, 2026 in Holly, Michigan. She passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. Through her 91 years she touched many lives with her strength and positive spirit despite facing numerous and various hardships.

She was born on March 20, 1935 in Flint, Michigan to the late John and Letha Dolza. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Lynn Grigni.

Pam grew up in Fenton, Michigan in her earlier years, but later moved to Holly where she graduated in 1952. At the age of 16, she went to Italy with her two sisters to live for the summer at her father's parents' home in Turin. During her time there, she became proficient in speaking Italian.

Continuing her thirst for knowledge, Pam graduated with honors from Michigan State University, majoring in Spanish. She was a member of Alpha Xi Delta and was crowned homecoming queen in her sorority. While at MSU, she figure skated competitively and received coaching from Olympic figure skater Carlo Fassi. In addition to figure skating, she also participated in Women's fencing. Throughout her life, she loved antiques and had two different antique stores. Pam studied many books on antiques and became very good at identifying the age and origins of antique furniture, both for others, and for the many items that she restored. She also loved reading Shakespeare for fun, watching figure skating competitions, playing games and spending time with her family.

Earlier in life, she expressed her creativity through making stained glass, tole painting, still-life painting and crocheting. She was always a social butterfly and could remember the names of almost everyone that she came in contact with. She helped many people throughout the years, including renting out a spare room in her home. These people became life-long friends, and they returned the favor by helping her in her later years.

Pam was always a deeply devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Despite all of the challenges that she faced, she kept a positive attitude and was always ready to share a smile or a giggle with those that were around her.

Pam is survived by her loving children, Greg (Sharon) Smith, Debi Smith and Laurie (Kevin) Lavrack , granddaughters Chantel, Heather, Nicole, Chelsea and Meghan and 13 great-grandchildren who were all the light of her life. She is also survived by her brothers, John Lee (Annette) Dolza, and Paul (Sarah) Dolza, and her sister Giovanna (Bob) Meier.

She will be greatly missed and forever remembered.

A celebration of life will be held in June at a date and place to be determined.