'Godmother Of Malibu' Dolores Rivellino Walsh Dies At 83

MALIBU, CA – Dolores Rivellino Walsh, the "Godmother of Malibu," died on Sunday, just two days after her birthday. She was 83 years old. Rivellino Walsh grew up in New York, but moved to Malibu and lived there for more than 50 years, where she was a local restaurateur and caterer, according to The Malibu Times.

Rivellino Walsh ran The Godmother restaurant at the Malibu Racquet Club, as well as a catering businesses, according to KBUU. She wrote "The Malibu Cookbook" and had a recipe for tomato bisque that was famous, the radio station reported.

Actress Ali MacGraw called Rivellino Walsh's restaurant "a favorite to food devotees because of its care, love, and skill," according to KBUU.

She was known by many locals, who loved her sociable personality and bright red lipstick, according to The Malibu Times. Social media posts called her a "Malibu legend," and she was known for saying "Eat like you give a damn."

Pat Cairns, a friend of Rivellino Walsh, told KBUU to do what Dolores had always said: "Women friends, break out your bright red lipstick and smile. Men friends, laugh and give the women you love a big Bronx hug."

Funeral services are pending.

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