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Anne Dolan Obituary
HOLDEN - Anne "Annie" E. (Palmer) Dolan, 58, of Sterling Road, passed away peacefully with her loving family by her side on Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at the Rose Monahan Hospice Home, after a courageous battle with cancer. Born and raised in Worcester, Annie was the daughter of John and Dorothy (Kelley) Palmer, and graduated from Marian High School in 1973.
She furthered her education at St. Francis College in Biddeford, Maine, earning a bachelor's degree in the social sciences. In 1979, Annie married the love of her life, John "Jack" J. Dolan, and in 1985 they moved to Holden to raise their three sons. Her calling was to pursue a career in nursing. She received her nursing degree at Quinsigamond Community College and more recently a master's degree in nursing education at Worcester State University.
Over the decades Annie taught child birth classes, and served as a midwife and nurse manager. In 2000 she resumed her vocation as a staff nurse in maternity at UMass Memorial. In 2012, she received the "Nurse of the Year" honor by the Massachusetts March of Dimes. Annie was humbled and considered herself privileged to guide women through their pregnancies, birth, and sometimes losses.
Following the Haiti earthquake in 2010, Annie's faith guided her to travel and experience first hand the human devastation and suffering, by selflessly offering her talents by tending to the wounded and sick. She was devoted to her faith and was an active member at St. Mary's Church in Jefferson. Annie was proud of her sons and their many accomplishments and enjoyed serving on the Parent Board at St. John's High School in Shrewsbury where they attended.
Annie possessed a warm affinity for her home town of Worcester, and was very proud of her Irish heritage and her membership with the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians in Worcester. She will be long remembered for her engaging personality, passion for life and her love for God.
She is survived by and will be greatly missed by her husband of 34 years, John "Jack" J. Dolan; her sons, Timothy J. Dolan of Dover, VT, Mathew T. Dolan and his wife, Katie (Dufresne) Dolan of Worcester and Brian J. Dolan of Holden; her parents, John and Dorothy (Kelley) Palmer of Worcester; a brother, John Palmer and his wife, Nancy of Belchertown; nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sister, Kathleen Wisniewski, who died in 2011.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Annie's family from 4 to 8 p.m. on Friday, May 2, in the Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, May 3, at St. Mary's Church, 114 Princeton St., Jefferson with burial following in St. John's Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Worcester State University, Nursing Scholarship, 486 Chandler St., Worcester, MA 01602; or to the Britney Gengel's Poorest of the Poor Fund, 62 Vista Circle, Holden, MA 01520, in memory of Annie Dolan. To share a memory or share an online condolence please visit
www.milesfuneralhome.com
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Memories and Condolences
for Anne Dolan
Sponsored by Her Loving Family.
Suzy Gentile
April 24, 2020
Thinking of you boys today .
Kevin Gardner
August 6, 2019
Still in our thoughts years later. Thank you for being such a great friend to my mother.
Ann Marie Reynolds-Lynch
April 24, 2019
Remembering and missing you Annie. I always wonder what would have been for you if God spared you for some more time. Hoping your family is flourishing with your light and presence in their daily lives. Your inspiration lives on in my life and I am sure the lives of the nursing community that you touched. God needed another angel and he called home the best. Rest in Peace.
May 26, 2014
Dear Palmer/Dolan Families,
I knew Annie most of my life living with her and the whole gang off of Paine street. Annie would get off the bus in her uniform and head straight to to mine Tommy's on Lincoln street for a grilled hard roll and a coke,(.35) to boot. We would all sit there until dinner time and just chat about boys, music, the war and every other social issue of the day. The priest from St. Bernard parish stood eyeballing us from across the street so we were kind of kept line even though our parents were working. We were all very close back then and I feel so privileged to have known Annie and her whole family in I such a close nit way. Those were our formative years and the bonds that are made then can never be broken. she is with God and his holy Mother along with Kathy, aunt Mary singing Irish tunes and hopefully drinking some great wine. Aloha Annie, Chris Murphy-cross
Allain Collins
May 19, 2014
So very sorry for your loss. Annie was a very special person and she will be missed. She was an expert on some of my cases at CRICO. She was so smart and so positive. My heart breaks for you.
Joe Power
May 12, 2014
To the Dolan & Palmer families/ I am very sorry to hear of Ann's passing. I have many fond memories of Ann growing up on Lincoln St many years ago. She always saw the good in everybody and was put on this earth to care for others. May she rest in peace.
Mary Ann Gilroy
May 9, 2014
I am deeply saddened to hear of Annie's passing. As a NICU nurse I had the priviledge of working with and getting to know Annie. She was a warm, smart girl with a special way of sharing her humor and wisdom with others. We will surely miss her.
Linda (Carrigan) LeFave
May 9, 2014
To the Palmer &Dolan families, I met Annie on the bus to girl scout camp too many years ago. We spent some good times there. Our paths continued to cross; we were classmates at Marian high school and then met in childbirth class. We could always just pick up where we last left of. I'm so sorry to learn of her illness and passing. May she rest in peace.
Carol Bell
May 8, 2014
I will always remember Annie standing at my piano at Christmas time singing Christmas Carols with here beautiful voice which was only outmatched by her beautiful soul. I feel blessed to have known her. Jack, words can not express how sorry I am for your loss.
May 8, 2014
To Annie's Family- Jim and I were so saddened to have learned of Annie's passing. She touched many, many lives. We recently were in South Carolina in an old churchyard reading epitaphs and one in particular stood out--it reminds me of Annie- " To the reader-- here lies a good and virtuous soul--go forth and do the same". God Bless
Jim and Marcia Gusha
Tara Kumaraswami
May 5, 2014
Thank you Annie for all your kindness and wisdom. You taught me and so many doctors and nurses how to truly be with patients and I am eternally grateful. My deepest condolences to your family.
Ellen Delpapa
May 4, 2014
No one will miss Annie like her family and so my prayers go out to you. But those who worked with her at Memorial considered her part of our L&D family. She leaves a big hole in our hearts. If you were to look up nurse in the dictionary, Annie' s picture should be there. She was smart, kind, and tough. Everything a nurse needs to be. I am confident God has a special place prepared for her.
Paul Johnston
May 3, 2014
To the Palmer and Dolan families I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I hold my my childhood memories of her and family very close. I am blessed to have known her.
Leslie Murzycki
May 3, 2014
Annie was by far a nurse, friend,and woman to aspire to be like. It was never anything she "tried" to do, she just was. Thank you for taking me and countless other new nurses and doctors under your wing and shedding light on what it takes to make a difference in somones life.. even if only for a moment. It was a pleasure to work by your side for the last 10 years. Much love..you'll be missed..xo
Stephen Earls
May 3, 2014
Annie was one of the most warm and compassionate people I have ever met. I miss her. To all the Dolan family my deepest sympathy
Ann Marie Reynolds- Lynch
May 3, 2014
Annie may you rest in peace and your family will be comforted by the rich memories of your lives together. You enriched our graduate experience more than you could ever know. You were the "light" of our cohort. We miss you but are comforted by our beliefs that God needed another angel. Rest in peace, my friend.
May 3, 2014
She was one of the sweetest people I have ever met. Such a wonderful nurse and a pleasure to work with! My sympathy to her friends and family.
Jean Doiron
Rosemary Foley
May 3, 2014
Annie was the epitome of a caring, knowledgeable nurse. I loved her like a sister and will miss her glowing welcome whenever we were together. I will not be at her Funeral Mass in Holden, but as she requested, I'll remember her at Mass at the Knock Shrine this Tuesday in Co. Mayo, Ireland.
She lived the LAOH model of Friendship, Unity and Christian Charity.
Slán leat mo chara dhil
John Riley
May 3, 2014
To the Dolan and Palmer Families: My sympathies, prayers, and thoughts go out to you at the loss of Anne. Anne grew up with us on Lincoln Street in Worcester and was always very jovial and entertaining in so many ways. Her service to so many in her life is a great tribute to her and her family. May Anne rest in the peace of God.
Paula Moreau
May 3, 2014
I first met Annie 17 years ago at Leominster Hospital. She was everything a nurse educator should be -knowledgeable, skilled, principled, and kind. I learned about other qualities Annie possessed when she came to work at Memorial. Although we were each always busy, it was amazing how quickly Annie could draw you into deep conversation even when we had only 10 minutes to talk. We shared stories about the excitement and challenges of going back to school, and of her dreams to teach at the college level when she completed her degree. We talked about other things that mattered-- of family, births, marriages, and the painful loss of loved ones. Annie could always find hope and value in the most difficult situations. For her the glass was always half full, and she was amazingly skilled at calling on the better angels in all of us to go there with her too. You deeply touched the lives of so many, Annie, including me. You will be greatly missed.
Mary Herlihy
May 2, 2014
My deepest sympathies to the Dolan family. I miss her already. Annie was a leader and a role model for all. Working with her in Maternity was a privledge. She taught us all so much on how to be human, compassionate and caring. Her expertise was everpresent and she was always willing to share her knowledge and experience so that all were better. God Bless, Annie.
Lisa Gussak
May 2, 2014
Annie was a pleasure to work with, a great teacher and a warm and loving soul. I learned from her and know patients were better off for the care she gave them. She will be greatly missed.
Jeannie Landry
May 2, 2014
Many wonderful memories of Anne at Marian. We had some fun times. My thoughts and prayers to her family and friends. Rest in peace, Annie.
May 2, 2014
David and Margaret Powers
Lantana, Florida
Cindy and Rich Meighan
May 2, 2014
Dear Jack and sons. We are so sorry for your loss. Annie was a beautiful person inside and out.
May 2, 2014
Deeply saddened by the untimely death of Annie. What a tragic loss to humanity! Annie possessed all the qualities of a true saint - constantly helping others in a selfless way. My cousin Jackie was truly blessed to have shared his life with such a unique individual.
May she rest in peace among the saints in Heaven.
With deepest sympathy and love,
Carol Connerty
Megan Rafferty
May 2, 2014
I will always remember "Crazy Annie" along with Kathy Powers and my aunt Martha. She never failed to bring a sense of love and friendship whenever she walked into the room. You knew that she cared without her ever saying a word, her actions showed it.
God has definitely gotten another angel in heaven with him and I know that Martha was waiting for her to say "HI" old friend, I've missed you.
God Bless "Crazy Annie" and all who will miss her.
Kari & John Grady
May 2, 2014
We will always remember our time with Annie. She was a gift from God and will have a place in our hearts forever.
The night after the Great Ice Storm of 2008, Annie and Jack were not going to let a little ice spoil their fun. Knowing that this was a tradition, we did our best to support the annual block party. We will never forget how Annie took in the moment, made the best of the weather and made friends no matter what the situation was.
Thank you Annie, we love you!
Michele Sinopoli
May 2, 2014
One of the best labor and delivery nurses I knew. She taught me that kindness above all, is sometimes the best medicine. She will always be near and dear to my heart.
Everytime I look at my daughter as she grows, I will be reminded of Annie & how blessed I was to have her there while bringing Amelia into the world.
Bridget Parmenter
May 2, 2014
Laurie Potter
May 2, 2014
Annie Dolan was the kindest soul I've ever met. She was my nurse/midwife when my first son was born in 2002. Through writing, she went on to counsel me after his tragic death and wrote about our family's journey for a grief presentation she was doing. 5 years later, the night my second son was born, she showed up 2 minutes before he arrived, took her place by the head of the bed, and with tears streaming down her face, held my hand while I brought my son into this world. I will never forget her. Truly, only the good die young. Rest peacefully, Annie. You were one of a kind!
Shannon & Jeff Wheeler
May 2, 2014
Tim and family,
We're so very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now. May the light from your joyful memories help you through this very dark time.
May 2, 2014
Simply the very best and gone much too soon.
Sherry Mattson
May 2, 2014
I'm so very sorry for your loss, Jack. May your lovely wife rest in peace.
Michele Cournoyer
May 2, 2014
To The Dolan and Palmer family,
Annie was always smilling she enjoyed life and her family. I haven't seen her and a couple of years, but I will always remember her from the times when I was growing up and she would be with my Aunt JoAnne McEntee (O'Connor). Annie always made me laugh and feel good about my self even when I didn't see her for years, she always remebered me.
Sorry for your loss I know how hard it is,
Michele Cournoyer (Prendiville)
Duffy Tilson
May 2, 2014
She was there in my time of need. I will surely miss the kindness you gave to me.
Michael&Angela Gleason
May 2, 2014
To the Palmer&Dolan families we are very sorry for your loss our families have known each other for a long time annie was always pleasnt and fun to be around even from the days of growing up off lincoln st god bless and rest in peace Ann
Carol Kalil-Hamilton
May 2, 2014
May Anne rest in peace
Andrea
May 1, 2014
I recognized Annie right away as being my maternity nurse Six years this May. I was so nervous to have my first baby and Annie was so kind and compassionate that I never forgot her. She was one of a kind nurse that truly cared about others . She was obviously a wonderful wife, mother and nurse taken too soon. My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this difficult time . Thank you Annie for being so kind ~
Nancy Anderson
May 1, 2014
When my former husband and I had Annie for our Lamaze instructor in 1982, I knew she was a special person. When we moved to Sterling Road in 1987, we found that she was our next-door neighbor! Annie and I had a close friendship for many years, drinking coffee while our six sons ( 3 were hers, 3 were mine) played together. My children are still friends with Annie's Matt, and I always thought of him as my fourth son. The world is a poorer place with the death of Annie Dolan, but we are all richer for having had her as a friend. Jack, Tim, Matt, and Brian: you were blessed to have had your wife and mother. Please know that she will always be in my heart.
Pam Reilly
May 1, 2014
To the Dolan Family
I was fortunate and blessed to know Annie, first as a co worker at UMass and most recently a fellow student at Worcester State University. I was so happy and surprised to see Annie on that first day of class. It was the beginning of a wonderful journey for our small, close- knit group of girls. There are many wonderful memories of Annie but my fondest is the research project Annie, Marie and I worked on together. How appropriate that our topic was technology and the aging nurse. We spent many hours in the back of Panera cursing the APA format and drinking the Chardonnay we brought hidden in a paper bag. I will never forget Annie's eloquence and how I dreaded having to follow her for our presentations. I could listen to Annie talk for hours. Her faith and love for her family and church were constant. She will be with us as we graduate on May 16th. To her family I am so sorry for your loss.
Mary (Fitzgerald) Diggins
May 1, 2014
I'm sorry Annie has lost the fight but she certainly gave it her all. She was such a lovely person from inside to outside. Please give our condolences to Dottie and John from my Dad (Bob Fitzgerald) too. Hold tight to all the beautiful memories and know she is smiling down on all of you.
Jane Colangelo
May 1, 2014
I am so sorry for all of you who have lost such a wonderful person. She was the most amazing women I have ever known. I worked with her for 8 years and learned so much from Annie:) she was one of the most positive people I have ever met. Annie was one of those people who had every good quality imaginable . She will be missed by anyone who had the pleasure to meet her. Rest in peace Annie:) love you and thank you for the gift you gave me!!
Jim Costello
May 1, 2014
Dear Tim,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this difficult time. God bless.
Sincerely,
Jim Costello
May 1, 2014
To Annie's family, she was such a sweet and kind person. I went to nursing school with her at Quinsigamond and I was over her house one day and we knew would have children some day and we picked the names. We worked together in maternitiy and my son went to St Johns with one of you, Vinny. This is unbelievable. Last saw her at the honors award at Umass for her N. P. She always talked about her sons and her great husband. I am so sorry. Jane Palermo
Donna & Jimmie DuVarney
May 1, 2014
Dear Aunt Dottie & Uncle Johnny & Family,
We are truly sorry for the loss of your precious daughter Anne. She had such a sweet loving spirit and always made me feel so comfortable when I was in her presence. She will be greatly missed. Know that your family will be in our prayers and that Anne is now in the loving arms of Jesus.
jackie joyce-fritsch
May 1, 2014
saw anne a few years back at the st.john's grammar school reunion, we all had the best time, lots of laughs/memories, so glad to have spent that time with her, she was a great person, to her family so sorry for your loss
May 1, 2014
Matt, John and I are so sad to read this about your lovely mother she was quite a lady who people loved and admired as we can tell by the beautiful comments. You and your family are in our thoughts today. We crossed paths over the years , I remember her playing basketball as a young girl, then we met again because of you and Ryan and now I realize my mother was friends with your grandmother. Sending you love. Suzy and John. Gentile
May 1, 2014
Annie you were a special person who was an inspiration to the cohort. Rest In Peace.. Annie you will be sadly missed.Paula Lonergan WSU MSN Cohort
Kerri Kennedy
May 1, 2014
Sending love and comfort to Brian and family during this very difficult time. Annie was obviously a beautiful person who touched the lives of many...
Sybil Harrington
May 1, 2014
Meeting Annie at Leominster Hospital years ago,than having the privledge to work side by side by her at Umass,I yearned to be more like her.Nonjudgemental.She really was an angel you get to meet on earth.She loved her Jack so much.I always told her she was up on a pedestal like a nun.But the stories she would tell about Ireland and the grassy fields.See you on the other side Annie.
Karen Tougas
May 1, 2014
Dear family,
Annie touched so many lives with her loving touch, words, and wisdom. I will forever remember a quote of hers "You are responsible for the effort, not the outcome" when talking to me about raising children. May her light shine in the hearts of all that knew her - she was a very special person.
Maureen (Kenary) Gardner
May 1, 2014
Annie was my breathe of fresh air - I always told her she brought out the best in me. Friendships like this are a once in a lifetime gift - 45 years together and I treasured each visit, each card, each conversation and each escapade we shared. My thoughts and prayers are with Jack, Tim, Brian, Matt & Katie.
May 1, 2014
Annie will be missed she certainly knew how to light up any room, Your family will remain in my prayers. Mary Shea
Paula Hackett-O'Connor
May 1, 2014
We were high school friends and years later you helped my daughter and I will be forever grateful to you. What a wonderful nurse you were. Rest in peace my friend.
Clare Harper
May 1, 2014
Annie was a special person. I was honored to work alongside her in the care of many patients at Memorial. I work in the NICU and Annie and I shared many families. She would take care of the mom and dad and I would take care of the baby. I learned so much from Annie about love, compassion, humor and life. I will miss her; she showed me how to create that fine balance of smart bedside nursing and human love and understanding. May she find peace and comfort in heaven. Forever will she be in my heart and our patient's hearts.
Cheryl Lawson
May 1, 2014
My thoughts are with Annie's family during this difficult time. Annie was a special woman who touched so many lives. I will always remember her for her amazingly positive attitude about EVERYTHING, and how she enjoyed life to the fullest extent.
April 30, 2014
To the Family, I Remember Her. I work with her at worcester County Hospital, what a wonderful person, kind, and fun-loving. She also was with me when i was in labor with my first son.....Almost 30 years ago......I mad it because, of her......Rest Her Soul.....
Brenda Smith
April 30, 2014
Annie touched many lives mine included...Thank you Annie for your friendship.
Jack and Kathy (Ollis) Donohue
April 30, 2014
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Palmer and Dolan families. May Annie rest in peace.
Patty (Ollis) Amelin
April 30, 2014
Memories of Anne from high school include a fun-loving , easy-to-laugh friend who was always a joy to be around. Shared some fun times at Marian H.S. with her!
My deepest sympathy to her family at this very sad time.
Jacqueline Chenarak
April 30, 2014
It was a pleasure to know you, Annie.
Susan Thomas
April 30, 2014
Annie Dolan, you were the consummate professional, caring, midwifery model for every nurse and patient you met. The perfect combination of intellect and intuition in the most empathetic person I have had the gift of knowing. Your family needs to know how much you were loved by everyone you came into contact with here at Memorial. You are, and will continue to be missed. I know you are celebrating with the saints and they have swung the gates wide in welcome!
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