Dalia “Ama” Calderon
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dalia Calderon, affectionately known as Ama, who left us peacefully surrounded by her loved ones. Dalia passed away after a courageous battle with cancer, holding steadfast in her faith until the very end. She was 75 years old.
Dalia devoted over 30 years of service to SEPTA Transit, where she was known for her dedication, kindness, and strong work ethic. She retired earlier this year, in 2025, leaving behind a legacy of integrity and compassion. Dalia touched countless lives—not only through her work, but through her unwavering faith and her life motto: “Trust in the Lord no matter what trials you face in life.” This belief reflected the strength and serenity with which she approached every challenge.
Above all, Dalia’s greatest joy was her family. She was the proud mother of Dahlia, Frank, and Eddy, and a loving grandmother to Angel, Carlos, Eric, Tatianna, Jimmy, Frankie, and Bella. Her love for them was immeasurable, and she devoted her life to nurturing and guiding them with grace and faith.
She is also survived by her brother Carlos, with whom she shared a deep and lifelong bond and her children’s father Francisco, who she also shared and continued a lifelong friendship with.
Known for her unwavering faith and inner strength, Dalia inspired everyone around her. Even in the midst of her own battle, she continued to uplift others—encouraging them to stay strong, trust in God, and never lose faith. Her courage and compassion were a beacon of hope to all who knew her.
A devout Christian, Dalia was an active member of the Philadelphia Christian Center, where she passionately served the Lord and her community. She was also a dedicated member of The Mercy Truck Team, where she helped feed the poor and serve those in need. Her generosity and servant’s heart were true reflections of her deep love for God and others.
Dalia’s life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and resilience. While we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the remarkable woman she was and the profound impact she had on everyone blessed to know her.
In memory of Dalia, we ask that you remember her best moments—her radiant smile, her words of encouragement, her straightforward personality (she had no filter!), and the boundless love she shared with her family and community. May we all carry forward her legacy of faith and strength.
Rest in peace with your Heavenly Father, Mommy/Ama. You will forever be in our hearts
Family and friends are invited to attend Dalia’s visitation and funeral on Friday, November 14th, at Philadelphia Christian Center, 2990 Street Rd. Bensalem, Pa 19020. You may visit and comfort the family during the gathering from 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm. There will be a prayer service starting at 8:00 pm. Your presence and prayers are deeply appreciated by the family.
Dahlia was like a second mom to me and it hurts to know I can't I see her anyway time I want, but it bring me peace to know she is with God and not suffering anymore. Dahlia was amazing women full of strength and love. She had no hair in her tongue to let you know how it is. She would give you all her honest opinion but she did it with love. How she loved her kids and family was an inspiration. We lost a great women physically but gained one in spirit forever. I love you mom! ChatGPT said: Here is a polished and heartfelt version of your message. I kept your tone and meaning, just made it clearer and smoother: Dahlia was like a second mom to me, and it hurts to know I can’t see her anytime I want anymore. But it brings me peace to know she is with God and no longer suffering. She was an amazing woman—full of strength, honesty, and love. She never had hair on her tongue; she would tell you the truth exactly as it was, but always with love. The way she loved her children and her family was truly inspiring. We lost a great woman physically, but we gained a beautiful spirit watching over us forever. I love you, Mom. If you’d like it to sound more formal, more poetic, or more personal, I can adjust it—just let me know. You said: More poetic ChatGPT said: Here is a more poetic, soulful version of your tribute: Dahlia was like a second mother to me, a steady light in my life. It hurts to know I can’t simply reach for her presence anymore, but my heart rests in the peace that she is with God, wrapped in His gentleness, free from all suffering. She was a woman carved from strength and filled with boundless love. Dahlia spoke the truth without hesitation—never with cruelty, always with a warmth that let you know her honesty came from the purest place. The way she loved her children and her family was nothing short of breathtaking, a lesson in devotion for all who watched her live. We lost a remarkable woman in body, but gained a guardian in spirit—one whose love will echo in our lives forever. I love you, Mom.
Dahlia, wow this really hurts. I didn’t exit t this coming do soon but how awesome to know that you got are with Jesus. I loved sitting next to t yo you at church a blessing to see your growth in Him. So happy for the moments we spent together especially stuffing our faces after church at buffet. I loved seeing you eat. You enjoyed it so much and that’s why we got along so well. lol We both love eating til we could no more. It was so much fun sharing these moments. You will forever be in my heart. Love, Margie
I Love You Ama As If You Were My Grandma! Thank you for always believing in me and having my best interest for life. You’ve been in my life for 20+ years, & It’s not a time I didn’t eat or sleep whenever I was at your house. Thank you for everything!! Love You Always!!! Watch Over All Of Us & Guide Us On This Journey We Call Life. - BJ❤️
Dahlia, wow this really hurts. I didn’t exit t this coming do soon but how awesome to know that you got are with Jesus. I loved sitting next to t yo you at church a blessing to see your growth in Him. So happy for the moments we spent together especially stuffing our faces after church at buffet. I loved seeing you eat. You enjoyed it so much and that’s why we got along so well. We both love eating til we could no more. You will forever be in my heart. Love, Margie
I am thankful to the Lord for sharing such a beautiful women with me and my family, before bringing her home. You're love for the Lord shined bright and reflected in the way you treated everyone around you. From talking in the cafe or out with the Mercy Truck and you reminding me that you were praying for me everyday and to be safe out on the streets at work, to us recording an assignment for my spanish class. I told her im going to learn to speak Spanish one day and she would say keep practicing lol. These are moments that may seem small to others but were important to me. Moments that displayed your loving heart and selflessness. Moments of laughter and joy that I will never forget and hold dear in my heart. Ms. Dalia lived out her faith and it was contagious. I am so thankful for the example that she set for us all. My friend I know you are smiling and singing praises to our Lord. Until we see each other again🙏
I know that we had our differences but I am thankful for having that last one to one conversation and being real with one another. I am thankful and grateful for the love and support she gave to our family. You were the best Ama my kids could have had growing up. Thank you for loving them. Now I know you will be watching over them and wrapping your arms around Haziel. You will be missed.
I love you. We love you forever Dalia you are gonna be on my heart in my mind and we all die. We never forgot your beautiful smile you're a big heart for your family is special for your kids. You are the best. I miss you so much someday will be everybody see each other again. Rest in peace.🙏🙏❤️
I love you. We love you forever Dalia you are gonna be on my heart in my mind and we all die. We never forgot your beautiful smile you’re a big heart for your family is special for your kids. You are the best. I miss you so much someday will be everybody see each other again. Rest in peace.🙏🙏❤️
I know that we had our differences but I am thankful for having that last one to one conversation and being real with one another. I am thankful and grateful for the love and support she gave to our family. You were the best Ama my kids could have had growing up. Thank you for loving them. Now I know you will be watching over them and wrapping your arms around Haziel. You will be missed.
I am thankful to the Lord for sharing such a beautiful women with me and my family, before bringing her home. You’re love for the Lord shined bright and reflected in the way you treated everyone around you. From talking in the cafe or out with the Mercy Truck and you reminding me that you were praying for me everyday and to be safe out on the streets at work, to us recording an assignment for my spanish class. I told her im going to learn to speak Spanish one day and she would say keep practicing lol. These are moments that may seem small to others but were important to me. Moments that displayed your loving heart and selflessness. Moments of laughter and joy that I will never forget and hold dear in my heart. Ms. Dalia lived out her faith and it was contagious. I am so thankful for the example that she set for us all. My friend I know you are smiling and singing praises to our Lord. Until we see each other again🙏
Dahlia, wow this really hurts. I didn’t exit t this coming do soon but how awesome to know that you got are with Jesus. I loved sitting next to t yo you at church a blessing to see your growth in Him. So happy for the moments we spent together especially stuffing our faces after church at buffet. I loved seeing you eat. You enjoyed it so much and that’s why we got along so well. We both love eating til we could no more. You will forever be in my heart. Love, Margie
I Love You Ama As If You Were My Grandma! Thank you for always believing in me and having my best interest for life. You’ve been in my life for 20+ years, & It’s not a time I didn’t eat or sleep whenever I was at your house. Thank you for everything!! Love You Always!!! Watch Over All Of Us & Guide Us On This Journey We Call Life. – BJ❤️
Dahlia, wow this really hurts. I didn’t exit t this coming do soon but how awesome to know that you got are with Jesus. I loved sitting next to t yo you at church a blessing to see your growth in Him. So happy for the moments we spent together especially stuffing our faces after church at buffet. I loved seeing you eat. You enjoyed it so much and that’s why we got along so well. lol We both love eating til we could no more. It was so much fun sharing these moments. You will forever be in my heart. Love, Margie
Dahlia was like a second mom to me and it hurts to know I can’t I see her anyway time I want, but it bring me peace to know she is with God and not suffering anymore. Dahlia was amazing women full of strength and love. She had no hair in her tongue to let you know how it is. She would give you all her honest opinion but she did it with love. How she loved her kids and family was an inspiration. We lost a great women physically but gained one in spirit forever. I love you mom!
ChatGPT said:
Here is a polished and heartfelt version of your message. I kept your tone and meaning, just made it clearer and smoother:
Dahlia was like a second mom to me, and it hurts to know I can’t see her anytime I want anymore. But it brings me peace to know she is with God and no longer suffering. She was an amazing woman—full of strength, honesty, and love. She never had hair on her tongue; she would tell you the truth exactly as it was, but always with love. The way she loved her children and her family was truly inspiring.
We lost a great woman physically, but we gained a beautiful spirit watching over us forever. I love you, Mom.
If you’d like it to sound more formal, more poetic, or more personal, I can adjust it—just let me know.
You said:
More poetic
ChatGPT said:
Here is a more poetic, soulful version of your tribute:
Dahlia was like a second mother to me, a steady light in my life. It hurts to know I can’t simply reach for her presence anymore, but my heart rests in the peace that she is with God, wrapped in His gentleness, free from all suffering.
She was a woman carved from strength and filled with boundless love. Dahlia spoke the truth without hesitation—never with cruelty, always with a warmth that let you know her honesty came from the purest place. The way she loved her children and her family was nothing short of breathtaking, a lesson in devotion for all who watched her live.
We lost a remarkable woman in body, but gained a guardian in spirit—one whose love will echo in our lives forever.
I love you, Mom.