Mary Virginia “Dolly” Ganem (née Shamon), 91, passed away on January 13, 2026. Born on June 28, 1934 in Galesburg, Illinois, she lived a life defined by devotion to family, faith, and community. She was predeceased by her husband, Edmund of 46 years, her brother, Bob, and his wife Martha.
Dolly graduated from Corpus Christi High School in Galesburg, Illinois. Her journey through life was marked by resilience and an unwavering work ethic. Alongside her beloved husband she owned and operated Ganem’s Oasis Package Store in Terryville for over four decades. She also worked at both Bristol and New Britain Hospitals and famously managed the family hotdog cart, “M&G Wagon” - a cherished fixture in the community.
Even after “retiring,” Dolly remained deeply engaged in service. In Fort Myers Beach, Florida she volunteered with St. Vincent dePaul and C.E.R.T (Community Emergency Response Team, aka hurricane chasing), Big Brother Big Sister, continuing her lifelong commitment to helping others. She also taught religious education and always found a Catholic church wherever she lived.
Dolly was a proud and loving mother to Ann Marie and her children Tiffany Aronoff (Ron) and Nicholas Ugliarolo; Ginia Peabody (Marty) and children Drake (Kara and son Magin) and Grant (Brieanna and daughters Sawyer and Fallon); Tricia Schauss (John) and children Sarah Methot (Colin and son Griffin) and Todd (fiancee Shannon); Kathy Nicoletti [deceased] (Mark); Susan (Jen Howard) ; Jill Shamon (John Cole and son Michael); Michael (Dawn and daughter Emily Durkin (Travis); and Georgia Austin (John and children Zachary, Garrett, Eliza). Dolly and Ed extended their love beyond their immediate family by raising two of her nieces as their own - “what’s two more when you already have six?”
She is remembered by her brother Dick and his family and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives were touched by her generosity and spirit.
Her home was a haven for many, filled with warmth, laughter, and the aroma of her legendary cooking. Food was her love language - especially Lebanese cuisine - and no one left her table hungry or unloved.
Dolly had a zest for life that defied expectations. At 71 she walked a marathon in Bermuda for charity in memory of her husband and even went parasailing in her 80s - testaments to her tenacious spirit. She found joy in simple pleasures: playing on the town’s women’s softball team, bowling, volunteering at the local boys and girls club, and she especially loved bingo, canasta, 9-5, and dominoes, watching cooking shows, cheering on college and professional football teams, and never missing a Notre Dame football game.
Her children describe her with words that only begin to capture her essence: proud, determined, indomitable, devoted, courageous, selfless, complex. These qualities defined Dolly throughout her life - a woman who gave endlessly of herself to those around her.
She will be deeply missed. Her legacy lives on through her family and friends, and those lucky to call her “Maaa.”
Dolly’s family and close friends will celebrate her life and honor her memory in a private service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Dolly graduated from Corpus Christi High School in Galesburg, Illinois. Her journey through life was marked by resilience and an unwavering work ethic. Alongside her beloved husband she owned and operated Ganem’s Oasis Package Store in Terryville for over four decades. She also worked at both Bristol and New Britain Hospitals and famously managed the family hotdog cart, “M&G Wagon” - a cherished fixture in the community.
Even after “retiring,” Dolly remained deeply engaged in service. In Fort Myers Beach, Florida she volunteered with St. Vincent dePaul and C.E.R.T (Community Emergency Response Team, aka hurricane chasing), Big Brother Big Sister, continuing her lifelong commitment to helping others. She also taught religious education and always found a Catholic church wherever she lived.
Dolly was a proud and loving mother to Ann Marie and her children Tiffany Aronoff (Ron) and Nicholas Ugliarolo; Ginia Peabody (Marty) and children Drake (Kara and son Magin) and Grant (Brieanna and daughters Sawyer and Fallon); Tricia Schauss (John) and children Sarah Methot (Colin and son Griffin) and Todd (fiancee Shannon); Kathy Nicoletti [deceased] (Mark); Susan (Jen Howard) ; Jill Shamon (John Cole and son Michael); Michael (Dawn and daughter Emily Durkin (Travis); and Georgia Austin (John and children Zachary, Garrett, Eliza). Dolly and Ed extended their love beyond their immediate family by raising two of her nieces as their own - “what’s two more when you already have six?”
She is remembered by her brother Dick and his family and many beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends whose lives were touched by her generosity and spirit.
Her home was a haven for many, filled with warmth, laughter, and the aroma of her legendary cooking. Food was her love language - especially Lebanese cuisine - and no one left her table hungry or unloved.
Dolly had a zest for life that defied expectations. At 71 she walked a marathon in Bermuda for charity in memory of her husband and even went parasailing in her 80s - testaments to her tenacious spirit. She found joy in simple pleasures: playing on the town’s women’s softball team, bowling, volunteering at the local boys and girls club, and she especially loved bingo, canasta, 9-5, and dominoes, watching cooking shows, cheering on college and professional football teams, and never missing a Notre Dame football game.
Her children describe her with words that only begin to capture her essence: proud, determined, indomitable, devoted, courageous, selfless, complex. These qualities defined Dolly throughout her life - a woman who gave endlessly of herself to those around her.
She will be deeply missed. Her legacy lives on through her family and friends, and those lucky to call her “Maaa.”
Dolly’s family and close friends will celebrate her life and honor her memory in a private service. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
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