Dolores Teresa "Cookie" Dierling

The staff of Heishman Funeral Home/Valley Funeral Service sends condolences to the family of Dolores Teresa "Cookie" Dierling. Dolores Teresa "Cookie" Dierling passed away peacefully on Monday, August 10, 2026, at her home in Fort Valley. Dolores, or "Cookie" as she was widely known, was born on December 7, 1937, in Teaneck, New Jersey. She was the beloved daughter of the late Margaret Herold Hubner and Henry Hubner. Active in her community early on, Cookie was a proud member and past Matron of the Fidelity Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star in New Jersey. Like her mother before her, Cookie was a true force to be reckoned with. Possessing a fiery personality, she was known for her absolute honesty and a "no-nonsense" attitude. She always told you exactly what she thought, whether you liked it or not. You might have thought you were pulling one over on her, but chances were she knew exactly what was going on long before you did. Yet, beneath her fierce exterior was a woman with a constant smile, an upbeat attitude, and a heart of gold—even when she was handing out a bit of unsolicited advice. Cookie shared an unstoppable, unwavering love with her husband, Robert "Bob" Dierling Sr. The couple was looking forward to celebrating 67 wonderful years of marriage this coming October. Together for roughly 73 years including their dating and engagement, their devotion to one another never faltered. As the ultimate matriarch, Cookie had a fierce, protective love for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She played a massive role in raising her granddaughter, and in later years, she spent her days caring for her three great-grandsons while their mother worked. If anyone in the family ever needed anything, big or small, Cookie was there. No matter how busy life got, she never missed a single family event—she was there with bells on for every concert, play, awards ceremony, banquet, Girl Scout Troop event, 4-H event, and graduation. She loved any opportunity to throw a big party, always going delightfully overboard with food and decorations for holidays and birthdays. Though she was lovingly teased in later years for overcooking her food and drying up her fair share of chicken, no one ever left her home hungry. Cookie was a true craft lover of all varieties, a passion she joyfully passed down to her granddaughter. Up until just a few weeks before her passing, she was still happily working on plastic canvas projects. Over the years, she crocheted, sewed, made appliqué shirts, and excelled at counted cross-stitch. Her family will always fondly remember when her granddaughter's pet parakeet would sit right on her embroidery hoop, watching the needle move across the canvas. Her social life was full of laughter and deep connections. Since the late 90s, her absolute favorite spot was Sal’s Italian Bistro. From nearly day one, the owner, Sal, became their "adopted Italian son," as both families opened their doors and hearts to each other. She also leaves behind her dear friends Jane King and Ginger Pfeifer, with whom she laughed like a schoolgirl whenever they were together, as well as Frank Yeager and Pam Winkler, who have been such a blessing to her over the years. Cookie is survived by her beloved husband of nearly 67 years, Robert "Bob" Dierling Sr.; her daughter, Diane Margolis; her granddaughter, Crystal Coffman and husband, Casey; and her three adored great-grandchildren, Corey Chapman Jr., Cole Coffman, and Camber Coffman. She was preceded in death by her beloved son, Robert "Bobby" Dierling Jr.; her sister, Margaret "Maggie" Gaffney; and her granddaughter, Robin Joy Shaffer. Cookie’s passing leaves a monumental hole in the hearts of her family, but her vibrant legacy, fierce love, and unstoppable spirit will carry on through every single person she touched.

Dolores Teresa "Cookie" Dierling

December 7, 1937 - August 10, 2026