Delores was born at her family home on Lafayette Street in Aberdeen, Washington, on September 20, 1929. Delores graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1947 and attended the University of Washington where she earned a degree in Music Education.
Delores was a phenomenal musician and trumpet player. She broke several gender barriers in the music world, being the first woman brass player in the University of Washington Marching Band and the first woman brass player in the Seattle Symphony.