In Memoriam
Dolores Bondurant
Instructor
School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures
Dolores was a dedicated educator and a beloved member of the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures community, where she taught French for close to 30 years. From 1991 to 1998, she served as the Language House coordinator, where her leadership and commitment to immersive language education shaped the experiences of countless students.
Anyone who had the privilege of knowing Dolores will remember her for her integrity, compassion and quick wit. She brought warmth and wisdom to her students and colleagues alike, leaving a positive impact on our community. Even after her retirement in 1999, she remained connected to the French language, enjoying regular Saturday morning gatherings with friends and former colleagues where French was always spoken.
Her family shared that Dolores found joy in dining out, exploring new restaurants and indulging in her love of cooking shows and competitions. A lifelong learner, she continued to read avidly on language, culture and social issues, remaining engaged with the world around her.
"I first met Dolores in August 1998 when I joined the Department of French and Italian. Her office was next to mine, and I will never forget how she went out of her way to welcome me and fill me in on how things really worked. I remember enjoying our many discussions and was surprised to learn that she retired in 1999, because her presence still looms so large in my memories of my first years here." - Mary Ellen (Mel) Scullen
She is survived by her husband, Frank and daughter, Alison, with whom she shared a love of shopping and culinary adventures. She also carried the profound loss of her son, Frank Jr., who passed away in 2016.
Dolores’ kindness and passion for French and education will be dearly missed, but her legacy lives on in the many students' lives she touched.
This article was adapted from an email Mary Ellen (Mel) Scullen sent to the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures on April 9, 2025.