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Mary Dolan Obituary
Mary Jane Dolan
March 11, 1941 - Sept. 15, 2022
WILMETTE, IL/LAKE GENEVA - Mary Jane Dolan, 81, of Wilmette and Lake Geneva, entered heaven on September 15, 2022.
She leaves behind a legacy of love. Mary was an incredible daughter, sister, wife, mom, nana, and friend.
Survived by her beloved husband of 57 years, Harry Dolan, who was her "rock"; their precious daughters: Carrie Dolan and Bridget Dolan; generous sons-in-law: Mark Pellegrino and Peter Giordano; cherished grandchildren: Cavan Pellegrino, Quinn Pellegrino, Kiley Giordano, Evangeline Giordano and Gavin Giordano; her close-knit siblings: John (Janice Ereth) Gilligan, William (Jayne) Gilligan, and twin, Anne (Dennis) O'Connor; and loving sister-in-law Dolores Dolan.
Mary began her career as an Elementary Teacher at Jenner School in Cabrini Green. After starting a family, she worked for decades at Dolan Associates, Ltd., helping to manage the office of the building at Bannockburn Executive Plaza. Her warmth made the building feel like a community and her colleagues like a family.
Mary was known for her enviable style. She loved fashion and shopping for it (Neiman Marcus will miss her). She enjoyed weekends in Lake Geneva, taking fitness classes, nibbling on crunchy cookies from her secret stash, dinner dates, vacationing with her entire family and snuggling her grand dogs.
Mary loved to laugh. She had a silly sense of humor, and was the perfect audience for Harry's jokes. Mischievous in her own right, Mary found great joy in pulling playful pranks on her family. She was a tremendous listener and genuinely cared. Her daughters connected with her almost daily, telling her funny stories and seeking advice.
Mary was deeply interested in her grandkids and loved each of them beyond measure. Mary treasured her lifelong best friends, Helen and Ellie, and the ladies of Knollwood and 1420. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Visitation Friday, September 23, 2022, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077. Funeral Mass Saturday, September 24, 2022, 10:30 a.m. at Saints Joseph & Francis Xavier Church (St. Joe Campus), 1747 Lake Avenue, Wilmette, IL 60091. Interment private at Ascension Cemetery, Libertyville, IL. Info: donnellanfuneral.com or (847) 675-1990.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Mary Dolan
Sponsored by Donnellan Family Funeral Services.
Kiley
September 16, 2023
1 year without her, and I swear I had the strangest dream about her last night about our Christmas pjs for the coming year. I miss her every day.
John Larsen
September 12, 2023
I talked with Harry last week and cannot believe his precious, lovely wife has been gone a year. Remember, Mary will always be remembered by my wife, Marian and me. Our joy was always those smiles, hugs and a kiss she so lovingly shared. Our Love and blessings Harry to you and your entire family. John Larsen
Fr Sean Gilligan
November 3, 2022
To Harry Carrie & Bridget
Sister Anne, brothers William & John and extended family, I wish to offer my condolences on your great loss. She must have got that sense of fun from her Dad . I have offered Mass that she made a quick entry through the gates of heaven. I am remembering you all in my prayers. May she rest in peace
God bless
Fr Sean Gilligan
Madeleine Ui Mhéalóid
October 5, 2022
To Harry, to Mary´s twin, Anne to her much loved children and to her devoted brothers I send my heartfelt sympathy.
I have fond memories of meeting her in Washington at Fr Leo´s 50th Jubilee and at his funeral. It was lovely to meet Mary and Anne when their husbands brought them to Ireland to celebrate their 60th birthdays
May her gentle soul rest in the arms of God with Aunt Nancy and Uncle Jack
Madeleine Mellett. Cavan, Ireland
Joyce Orbesen
September 30, 2022
Dear Harry, Carrie and Bridget,
We were in Europe when my sister called to tell us about Mary's passing. To say the least, we were shocked and devastated that she left us. Mary was such a one-of-a-kind lady. She was beautiful, classy, stylish and always stood out in a crowd. We had one thing in common: we both had a twin sister. I know that the beautiful memories that you hold of your wife and mother will be with you forever. One memory that I have of you all is the Christmas card where you are all wearing the Mary wig. That was priceless. May God bless all of you.
Love,
Joyce and Chris Orbesen
John Larsen
September 23, 2022
My wife and I extend our loving condolences to Harry and the entire family. Mary was one of the most beautiful, caring ladies we´ve been privileged to know. Her pride and love of family was always evident and we will miss her spirit of joy. God bless Mary´s memory and may every thought of her bring joy and pride every day. Be assured of our love as you celebrate her life. John and Marian Larsen
Darren, Anne, Reed, Blake, Logan & Canden
September 23, 2022
Our deepest condolences to you all, we had the pleasure of sharing a few laughs with Marry and Harry over the years. Marry and Harry welcomed Reed into the Dolan fold, and she has wonderful memories of LG. We have been blessed to have had our lives touched by Marry. With love, The Racines
Maureen Kissane
September 22, 2022
Sincere sympathy to Harry, Carrie, Bridget and twin sister Anne and the extended Dolan and Gilligan families on the death of their beloved Mary.
I happy memories of Mary when she visited Ireland and Galway. Happy times. May her gentle soul rest in peace.
Maureen Kissane,(Dunleavy)
3 Glenard Ave.,Salthill,Galway.Ireland.
Dan Casey
September 21, 2022
My sincerest condolences on your family´s loss.
Pete and Joyce Mule'
September 20, 2022
Harry and Family,
Our condolences on Mary's passing. We know her loss is irreplaceable, but the girls and all your family and friends will help you get through the next few days and for all the days to come. Our prayers to you and all close to you.
John & Donna Cervac
September 19, 2022
Harry, Carrie, Bridget and family: You are in our thoughts and prayers. Mary was a mentor, a friend and most important, family! We both have so many memories of Mary, she was the epitome of grace and class. She always made everyone feel welcome! Mary's passing leaves a huge void in the world, we will miss her dearly. Virtual hugs to everyone.
Frank Kovacs
September 19, 2022
Harry, I´m so sorry about your great loss, Mary was a very special person, I miss her already. Hang in there, and God bless !
David Magnuson
September 18, 2022
Harry,
I was so sorry to hear of Mary's passing. She was a special person and I count it a privilege to have known her. I will be praying for you and your family in the days ahead.
Dave
Doug Adams
September 18, 2022
To Harry and the girls; Mary was such a special person. She always had such an infectious smile and kind word of encouragement. I was blessed to see her at the office for nearly 20 yrs. You are in my prayers. Doug Adams, Prime Consulting
David & Tanya Solomon
September 18, 2022
Mary was clearly a special lady for all of her family and friends and I am sure she will be sorely missed. May her memory be forever a blessing to those who loved her.
The Lukasik Family
September 18, 2022
While I never had the chance to know Mary, I know how deeply she was loved by many, and her capacity to always love and welcome others throughout her life, up to the last few years when she welcomed my own son. I know she will be missed beyond words, but that her legacy lives on in Carrie, Bridget and their incredible families. And know they will all be forever blessed with her watching over them all from heaven. With love to all...
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Donnellan Family Funeral Services10045 Skokie Boulevard, Skokie, IL 60077
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