Dolores M. Bourn

Dolores M. “Do” Bourn, 93, formerly of Guilford, and more recently with her daughter in Homer, NY, passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, October 29, 2026.

Born on June 6, 1933, in Norwich, Dolores was a daughter of the late Bartolo and Lucy (Famalaro) Merlino. Following her schooling in Norwich, Dolores worked for various manufacturing careers. Later in her life, Dolores worked for the New York State Veterans’ Home in the laundry department. Dolores is a former parishioner of St. Bartholomew’s Church in Norwich and was a volunteer at the Norwich Community Soup Kitchen.

Dolores enjoyed gardening, spending time at their camp near Tupper Lake, fishing, and hunting. She was an exceptional cook and enjoyed feeding those around her. During her life, Dolores enjoyed traveling. Her trips to Europe and across America were a highlight of her retirement. In 2016, Dolores moved to an apartment in Homer before residing with her daughter since 2020.

On May 5, 1951, in Norwich, Dolores married Austin Bourn, Jr., who predeceased her on January 26, 1990.

Dolores is survived by her Carol Horton, of Homer; daughter-in-law, Cherokee Bourn, of Norwich; grandchildren, Thomas Horton (Cat Story), of Lansing, MI, David (Tasha) Bourn, of Las Vegas, NV, Robert Bourn (Patience Gennett-DuMun), of Norwich, John Bourn, of MT, Bartalo Bourn, of AK, and Ariel (Dennis) Oglesby, of NC; several great grandchildren; and nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, Dolores was predeceased by her two sons, Thomas Bourn, 1988, and David Bourn, in 2020; and siblings, Thomas Merlino, Domiana Simpson, Francis Merlino, and John Merlino.

The family is grateful for the care given to Dolores and her family during her time on Hospice. The family requests memorial contributions to Hospicare, 172 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850 in lieu of flowers.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Dolores will be celebrated at 12:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the Church of St. Bartholomew. Burial will occur at North Guilford Cemetery.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted with the Wilson Funeral Home.