Dolly (Largo) Faustino

Dorothea Eva “Dolly” Faustino, 85, of Bloxom, VA, passed away April 22, 2026, in Newport News, VA. Born January 29, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Nicanor and Dorothy E. Largo.

Dolly was a spirited woman with a feisty personality, a generous heart, and a love for life that could never be overlooked. While raising her children, her colorful vocabulary often earned her a contribution to the family “swear jar”—a habit she proudly blamed on her younger days working in a bar, where she learned just about every word imaginable. Her family would later laugh that Dolly always spoke her mind and never left anyone wondering where she stood.

One of Dolly’s greatest joys was gardening. While raising her children, she maintained a large family garden and later turned that passion into Dolly’s Greenhouse, where she sold plants at markets throughout the Eastern Shore. She had a gift for nurturing things and could make almost anything bloom. Music was another constant in her life, and whether it was the television or the radio playing in the background, her home was rarely quiet.

Dolly met the love of her life, George Faustino, through her sisters, Nora and Mary. The two shared a loving marriage until George’s passing on December 23, 2006. Together, they balanced each other perfectly. George was known as the cook of the family, while Dolly preferred to throw things together in the kitchen - sometimes with great success and sometimes with memorable results - but they were a team through it all.

She loved animals deeply, especially her cats and dogs. In recent years, cats became her preferred companions-- Oreo and Tippy Toes, with short visits from Vega and Royal. Dolly also treasured her family above all else. She adored her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and cherished the opportunity to know her great-great-grandchildren as well. Whether sending little trinkets, cards, or a few dollars “just because,” Dolly always found ways to remind her family they were loved.

Creative by nature, Dolly learned to sew and crochet from her mother, Dorothy. She spent many years sewing while her children were young, creating with the same care and devotion she gave to every aspect of her life. She and George were also proud supporters of organizations close to their hearts, including Special Olympics, 4-H, and the SPCA.

Dolly is survived by her children, Linda McGrogan (Daniel), Pamela Bonikowski (Leonard), Nicola Pagley (Aaron), and George Faustino (Sujeire); Sisters-in-law, Mary Faustino, Francine Faustino Lassister, and Linda Garlitos (Victor); grandchildren, Michael McGrogan Sr. (Jennifer), Daniel McGrogan, Timothy McGrogan (Christa), Miranda Gould (Evan), Chase Pagley, and Cain Pagley; great-grandchildren, Michael McGrogan Jr. (Tori Lynn), Jason McGrogan (Jacqueline), Justin McGrogan, Declan Gould, and Raven Gould; great-great-grandchildren, Jayden, Giuliana, Vincenzo, Dominic, and Jameson McGrogan; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her special nephew, J.R., who often visited her in Virginia.

In addition to her parents and husband, Dolly was preceded in death by her sisters, Nora Garlitos and Abrelita “Mey” Largo; brothers, Nicanor Largo Jr., Candelario “Dario” Largo, Carl Garlitos, Leo Garlitos, Ralph Garlitos, Victor Garlitos, and Daniel Largo.

A Memorial Mass will be conducted from St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Onley, VA, on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., with Father Michael Imperial officiating. A reception will follow in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Dolly’s memory to the Eastern Shore SPCA, P.O. Box 164, Onley, VA 23418 (www.shorespca.com) or Special Olympics Virginia, 3212 Skipwith Road, Suite 100, Richmond VA 23294.

Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.

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