Joan McGinnis Dolan, 85, a long time resident of Orlando, Florida, died April 5, 2013, in Fort Lauderdale , Florida, surrounded by her family. Joan was born January 25, 1928, in Alton, Illinois, to John and Phyllis (Gaskins) McGinnis. She attended the University of Illinois where she met and married her husband, Thomas Dolan. They had a long and loving marriange and 7 children as they lived in Dallas, Texas, and McLean, Virginia, before settling their family in Orlando, Florida in 1964 where Mr. Dolan worked for Lockheed Martin. They built and kept their family home on the golf course in the Rio Pinar area for the next for 40 years.
Joan shared her special love for life and people and many talents with family and friends everywhere she lived. When she found time apart from caring for her large family, she was an artistic force in. the "Show Time" productions at Rio Pinar Country Club, scripting and starring in the various musical acts; golfing and bridge were other favorite activities across the years.
Joan, known as Muffer to her 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, is also survived by 5 children and spouses, Kathleen Birr, Pat Jones, Sharon and Paul Waite, Maura and Allen Williamson, Dennis and Maria Dolan and daughter-in-law Susan Dolan.
She is preceded in death by her husband Thomas Dolan, daughter Peggy Dolan and son Tim Dolan.
A celebration of her life is planned for a future date. She taught us all how to laugh and love.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
6 Entries
Thinking of Joan every day. Look forward to the day we will see each other again.
Rod Russell
May 25, 2013
Prayers for Joanie and for the family from Jim & Tink Callahan, her sister Gene's second oldest. I have many fond memories of the Ted & Joanie, and the kids.
Jim Callahan
May 20, 2013
Aunt Joanie was the last of her generation on our side of the family tree. Mom will be so delighted that she has her sister with her again. Love and prayers to all my cousins.
Maura Callahan
May 20, 2013
I am sorry to hear of Joan's passing. She was always so welcoming when I visited her and Ted over the years in Dallas, McLean or Orlando. Cheryl and I will keep all of her family in our prayers.
Terry Callahan
May 20, 2013
John Edward Callahan, I was the oldest of Aunt Joanie's nephews on the McGinnis side. She was one of my favorite people on the whole earth. My Mom, her oelder sister died in 1996 and I temporarily lost touch. Thank you Maura for helping me reconnect. Love to all the Dolan's. John
John Callahan
May 20, 2013
I am sorry for you and your family Moe..... I lost my dad in Feb., of this year.....He was 85 also..... I will be thinking about you all.... Gina Dunn
May 1, 2013
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