Carole Ann Dolan

Carole Ann Dolan passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 at the age of 84. She was born on April 30, 1941 in Fort Madison, Iowa, to Leo and Albertine Winke. Carole grew up in the small town of Fort Madison, which sits on the banks of the Mississippi river, with five brothers and sisters: Fred, Mary, James, Linda and Rebecca. She graduated from St. Thomas Aquinas High School and studied at the University of Illinois where she not only received her Bachelor of Arts, but also met the love of her life and husband of more than 61 years, John. Later, Carole returned to the University of Illinois and obtained a master's degree in music. An accomplished and avid musician, Carole pursued a career teaching piano as she raised her three children: James (Dawn), John (Lory) and Sarah (Glen Richardson) - initially in Peoria, Illinois and later in Grosse Pointe where she and John have resided for the past 51 years. Carole's devotion to music was second only to her love and devotion to her family, which includes her ten grandchildren (Patrick, Allison, Shane, Tristan, Jack, Meghan, Courtney, Ryan, Brendan, and Michael) and three great-grandchildren (Johannes, Elizabeth, and Isabel). Anyone who crossed the threshold at 502 Lincoln experienced her joy, her smile and a fantastic meal. Carole's culinary skills were legend. From cinnamon rolls to chicken curry, Carole experimented with just about every cuisine, typically with great success, but always with a smile and the warmth of an Iowa farm girl. Once in a while, Carole would share recipes, some handed down from her mother Albertine, with her children and grandchildren, many of whom have followed in her culinary footsteps and will forever remember her baked goods. After raising her three children, Carole devoted time to St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, working as a sponsor with the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults and singing in the church choir for many years. A devoted wife, mother, sister and friend, Carole touched the lives of many, always with her kindness and usually without fanfare. Carole simply made the lives of those who knew her better.

A visitation is scheduled for Friday, March 6th from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Verheyden Funeral Home, 16300 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Park, MI, and a funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 7th ; Instate 9:30am until the time of Mass, 10:00 a.m. at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lake Shore Road, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI.