Elizabeth (Bette) Anne Dolaher

Elizabeth “Bette” Anne Dolaher, 82, passed away peacefully on December 30, 2025, in Queen Creek, Arizona. Born on October 29, 1943, in Norwood, Massachusetts, she lived a life defined by resilience, dedication to education, deep love for her family and compassion for others.

Bette began her academic journey at Mount Saint Joseph’s Academy in Brighton, Massachusetts. Her pursuit of knowledge later led her west to Arizona State University, where she earned both her Bachelor of Science and Masters’ degrees. Learning and personal growth remained central values throughout her life.
Over the years, Bette built three successful careers. She first worked as a legal secretary, then advanced to become a paralegal. Ultimately, she found her greatest fulfillment in the classroom as a high school English teacher. Teaching was more than a profession for Bette — it was a calling that allowed her to share her love of literature and language while shaping the lives of countless students.
Above all, Bette was a devoted and fiercely loving mother. As a single mother raising four children, she demonstrated remarkable strength, perseverance, and unwavering commitment, providing stability, encouragement, and opportunity through every stage of their lives. She was the proud mother of her daughter, Martha Ouellette (Robert), and sons Barry Kelley, Shawn Kelley (Jodi), and Trevor Kelley. She held deep affection for her son-in-law, Robert Ouellette, and her daughter-in-law, Jodi Kelley, who is married to Shawn, welcoming them as cherished members of her family. She treasured her role as “Nanny” to her grandchildren Abigail, Benjamin, and Connor Ouellette; and Sloan and Joseph Kelley, finding endless joy in their lives and accomplishments.
She was predeceased by her brothers, Joseph Dolaher and Leo Dolaher.
A gifted seamstress with a keen eye for creativity and practicality, Bette loved to sew. She took pride in teaching her children and grandchildren how to create and repurpose clothing — passing down lessons of craftsmanship, sustainability, patience, and love.
Those who knew Bette remember her as supportive, passionate, generous, and deeply loving. She often expressed gratitude for the blessing of healthy children and grandchildren and her heart remained especially tender toward children facing health challenges — a compassion reflected in one of her final wishes.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bette’s memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at:
http://fundraising.stjude.org/goto/ElizabethDolaher
May the memory of Elizabeth “Bette” Anne Dolaher bring comfort to all who knew and loved her. A Celebration of Life will be held on February 21, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at the Queen Creek Library Parks and Recreation Annex Building, 21802 S. Ellsworth Road, Queen Creek, AZ.