The Galveston County Daily News

Dolly Solis’ daughter wrote in to nominate her mom for an Unsung Hero, citing volunteer work with Hospice Care Team Inc. and The Jesse Tree.

But that’s just half the story, Katy Martinez wrote. Solis raised a family of five and in hard financial times, would make aprons and potholders for the oldest children to sell door-to-door. Even in hard times, Solis shared meals and helped neighbors.

“She is my hero,” Martinez wrote. “She is my mom, and she should not be unsung any longer.”

So, for her work in the community, helping the elderly and needy, Solis has been selected as a 2009 Unsung Hero. The Texas City resident joins others selected by The Galveston County Daily News from across the county who were recently honored with a plaque at a reception.

“We just do what’s got to be done,” Solis said simply. She and her husband, Estanislado, both work the food line at The Jesse Tree program in Texas City.

“The majority are senior citizens and have limited income, and this helps the people have food on their table,” she said.

“We try to encourage people to go (to The Jesse Tree) not just for food, but for help with diabetes class and other programs.”

Aurora Corona Solis was born in Galveston, and earned her nickname when a visitor told her mother she looked just like a doll.

She has 11 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, “so I look like an old doll now,” she said.

Solis visits Hospice Care Team patients, sitting with them to allow caretakers to take a break, and sometimes cooking a meal for them.

Her practical compassion has set an example for her children, Martinez wrote in nominating her mother as an Unsung Hero.

“She was always willing to help neighbors and friends with a ride to the doctor or grocery store,” she wrote.

“Every Thanksgiving, she always made it a point to share her meal with a neighbor and she would have one of us children take a plate to a neighbor.... She worked full-time, managed a household and continued to set the example of giving, sharing and working for others,” she wrote.

When Solis’ mother battled cancer, Hospice Care Team helped the family cope.

After her mother’s death, Solis joined the ranks of Hospice volunteers.

“She has been a comfort to countless families,” Martinez wrote.

“Thank you for this opportunity to recognize such a great lady.”

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Details To Note:

• The Jesse Tree coordinates programs assisting Galveston County residents seeking healthcare, social services and ministerial resources. For information, call 409-762-2233, or visit the Web site, www.jessetree.net.

• Hospice Care Team, Inc. serves terminally ill patients and their families in Galveston, Brazoria, Chambers, Liberty and southeast Harris Counties. For information, call 1-200-545-8738 or visit the Web site, www.hospicecareteam.org.