Delores Collins-Hadley's Obituary
Delores Jean “Dee” Collins-Hadley, born Delores Jean McCauley on May 21, 1932, in Denver, Colorado, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2025, in San Leandro, California. She was 93 years old.
Delores was the cherished daughter of Albert McCauley and Estelle McCauley. After their divorce in 1937, her mother married John Wright in 1938. Raised by Estelle and her stepfather Jack Wright alongside her sister Carol Wright, Delores grew up with a deep-rooted sense of family. In 1939, her father remarried and welcomed two sons into the world—David and James McCauley.
A proud graduate of Hayward Union High School’s Class of 1950, Delores held fond memories of her school years and maintained lifelong connections to that community. During high school, she met Louis E. Silva Jr., and they married on November 20, 1949, at Our Lady of Grace in Castro Valley, California. The young couple began their life together at Circle S Ranch in Castro Valley before settling on the family ranch along Mowry School Road in Newark. There they raised three children—Michael Silva, Gary Silva, and Cheryl Silva—surrounded by animals and immersed in the rural lifestyle that Delores loved so dearly. Louis passed away on February 29, 1968.
Delores found love again when she married Bill N. Collins on August 14, 1970. With Bill came his daughter Becky Collins, whom Delores welcomed wholeheartedly into her life. Together Delores and Bill shared thirty joyful years in San Leandro until his passing on September 3, 2000.
Her journey continued with William H. Hadley Jr., whom she married on July 28, 2002. Through this union, Delores embraced four more children: William Hadley III., Galen Hadley (deceased), Debbie Brownrigg, and Kathrine Ahlborn. Just days before her own passing, William H. Hadley Jr. also passed away on May 19.
Professionally dedicated for nearly three decades to Lucca Delicatessen, Delores became a familiar and beloved face among customers and coworkers alike. Her warmth lit up the deli each day—a light made even brighter by the enduring friendship she shared with her best friend and Godmother Elaine Maciel-Abacherli.
A passionate advocate for youth development through hands-on learning experiences, Delores served as a leader in the local 4-H program where she mentored countless young people over the years. She also found joy dancing with the Rebels Square Dancing Club and exploring new destinations with fellow members of the Lazy Daisy RV Club—journeys filled with laughter and camaraderie.
Her curiosity extended into nature as an active member of a local Lapidary Club where she delighted in studying stones and minerals with genuine enthusiasm. Animals always held a special place in her heart—especially dogs, horses, frogs, and hummingbirds—and one of her most treasured traditions was preparing Clydesdales alongside her sister-in-law Maxanne.
Delores is lovingly remembered by her son Gary Silva and daughter Cheryl Noia.
Her legacy lives on through her beloved grandchildren include DeAnna, Jeana, Michael, Kristina, Tracy, Todd, Daniel, David, Kimberly, and Christopher. She had several great grandchildren.
Her growing extended family became a source of great happiness through many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who lovingly called her Grandma Dee.
She was preceded in death by her husbands Louis E. Silva Jr., Bill N. Collins, and William H. Hadley Jr.; father Albert McCauley; mother Estelle Wright; stepfather Jack Wright; sister Carol Stivers; brothers David McCauley and James McCauley; stepson Galen Hadley; stepdaughter Rebecca Page; and son Michael Silva.
A Funeral Service will be held on June 12, 2025 from 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Chapel of the Chimes Mission Chapel located at 32992 Mission Blvd., Hayward, CA 94544. Burial will follow at Chapel of the Chimes Memorial Park. A Celebration of Life will proceed at Swiss Park at 5911 Mowry Ave., Newark, CA 94560.
Delores’s vibrant spirit lives on in the hearts of those who knew her—a legacy woven through generations touched by her kindness and strength. May her memory continue to bring peace and inspiration to all whose lives she graced.
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