Delores Irene Schinigoi, 88, passed away peacefully at her home on May 19, 2026.

Delores was born on April 17, 1938, in Wadena Township, Minnesota, to Richard and Stella (Berkman) Wiita. Proud of her Finnish heritage, Delores was the sixth of thirteen children in a close-knit family. She grew up on a farm before the family later moved to Duluth. From a young age, Delores understood the value of hard work and family. She left school early to help support her family, a reflection of the strength, determination, and caring spirit that defined her entire life.

In January 1957, Delores married the boy next door, Enzo Schinigoi, beginning a 60 year long partnership filled with love and devotion. Together they enjoyed traveling, especially to visit family in California and Arizona, along with memorable trips to Hawaii and to Enzo's homeland of Italy.

After Enzo suffered a stroke, Delores lovingly became his primary caregiver for more than 30 years. Her unwavering dedication reflected the deep love and commitment she carried for her family.

Delores was known as "everyone's mom." Loving, nurturing, and welcoming, she had a gift for making people feel at home, usually with food waiting for them when they arrived. She was strong-willed, hardworking, and social, with a wonderful sense of humor. Delores believed in looking on the bright side of life and encouraged others to do the same.

Family meant everything to Delores. She cherished her siblings and treasured the closeness they shared. She was the epitome of both the Wiita family spirit and the Minnesota "long goodbye,"

Delores worked for many years before retiring to care for Enzo. She enjoyed monthly lunches with her fellow IBM retirees and was a proud member of the Rochester Does. She loved social gatherings, trying her luck at casinos, where she often enjoyed surprising good fortune, and spending time with family and friends.

Delores is survived by her children: Mary Mosser of Rochester, MN; Rick (Pam) Schinigoi of Elko New Market, MN; Sue (Mike) Vreeman of Mazeppa, MN; Jim (Liz) Schinigoi of Rochester, MN; and Mark Schinigoi of Rochester, MN; 13 grandchildren; 33 great-grandchildren; and 5 great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her siblings, Donnie (Paula) Wiita, Roy (Mary) Wiita, Donna Soland, and Diane (George) Casino, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Enzo; her parents; six brothers, Albert, Arnie, Edwin, Alvin, Archie, and Elmer Wiita; and two sisters, Dorothy Maki and Darlene Mahlberg.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2026, in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home, 1105 12th St. SE, Rochester. Visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will be at Grandview Memorial Gardens.