Dolly (Mildred) Griak

Dolly (Mildred) Griak of Pilot Point, Texas passed away peacefully on December 8, 2023.  Dolly was born to Mildred and Milan Griak, in Duluth, Minnesota. An independent and vibrant personality, Dolly moved to Dallas shortly after graduating from Morgan Park High School. In the 1950’s, she began a career as a “stewardess” for Texas International/Continental Airlines. As an international flight attendant, Dolly fulfilled a passionate curiosity to see and experience the world.  She met her husband, Darrell Alessi, while attending a class on the restoration of antique furniture. Both Darrell and Dolly loved to travel and enjoyed many trips together experiencing foreign lands. While in Paris in 1976 and after buying her a very expensive handbag, Darrell proposed to Dolly in front of the Arc de Triomphe. To which, she gracefully replied, “not yet”. Twenty years later and after several additional pampered gifts they finally married.  In her mid-thirties, she opened Dolly’s Antiques and Collectables. She and Darrell restored a Victorian building where she showcased and sold unique treasures sourced from her domestic and international travels.  Dolly enjoyed gardening, planting over 200 tulips in her yard, restoring and decorating her lovely Victorian home, her Dalmatians and watching Novak Djokovic play tennis. She will be remembered for her strong will and influence, humor, penchant for perfection, independence and unique one of a kind demeanor.  A special gift from God, Dolly is now with her beloved mother and family in peace. May God rest her lovely and unique soul forever.

Dolly is preceded in death by parents: Milan and Milica Griak, siblings: Roy Griak, Kathryn (Griak) Petrich, and Steve Griak. She is survived by her husband Darrell Alessi, sisters and brothers-in-law, many nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the ICU staff at Medical City Hospital in McKinney, TX for the exceptional care and support they provided to Dolly.  A funeral service will be held on Friday, December 22, 2023, at 12pm at the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church. Interment at Oneota Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to the St. George Serbian Orthodox Church,1216 104th Ave. W., Duluth, MN 55808.  Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home.  600 E. 2^nd St. Duluth, MN 55805.  218-727-3555.