Theresa M. Dolan 71 died Saturday March 6. Dolan

Theresa M. Dolan, 71

HOLDEN - Theresa M. Dolan, 71, died Saturday, March 6, 2021 at UMASS Memorial Hospital in Worcester surrounded by loving family. Born in Southbridge, she was the daughter of Eleanor B. "Betty" (Leigh) Gorak and Arthur George Sandoli. She leaves a son, Matthew Giza and his wife Holly of Holden; a daughter, Melissa Weinheimer and her companion Jeff of West Warren; 4 grandchildren, Nicholas and Ryan Giza, Aidan Fitzgerald, and Taylor Cairns; brothers and sisters including, Ray and Pam Therrien, Phyllis and Dick Hibbard, Patty and Stew Bacon, Deborah Greenslit, Art Sandoli, Tim Sandoli, Bill Sandoli; many nephews, nieces and extended family. She is predeceased by her brother Bob Sandoli. Whether you knew her as Theresa, Teri, Terry, T, Sis, Aunty, Mom, Grandma, or something else, it is likely she had a very positive impact on your life. The medical challenges that she had in her life with Lupus and related complications, gave her reverence for life. There was nothing that she could not accomplish, and she inspired others with that passion every day. Teri was a graduate of North Brookfield High School and the Faulkner Hospital, Jamaica Plain, MA where she earned her RN degree. She was very proud to be a nurse and maintained her license even when she could not work. She really loved her work as a psychiatric nurse counselor at Worcester State Hospital and later at the Griswold Center at Wing Memorial Hospital. Teri was the first female firefighter and EMT in Warren and was one of the first female police officers there. She trained and became a member of the Critical Incident Debriefing Team and was a member of the Red Cross. She organized Christmas Toys for Tots in Warren, and always made sure that kids received at least one present that they really wanted. She always made a difference by caring deeply and making everyone feel special and loved. Teri owned two successful businesses. One was Teri Designs, where she made work out suits and leisure wear. Richard Simmons, nationally known workout guru, even wore one in the early 1980's that she gifted him. The second business was Up, Up & Away Balloons, where she provided services for event decorating and deliveries in various costumes in the late 1980's and 1990's. She hired many Quaboag Regional High School students to help. Teri enjoyed traveling, with Italy and the National Parks out West being a couple of her favorites. She also loved weekend trips with family and friends. Teri enjoyed gardening, Mustangs and Jeeps, and even had her own motorcycle at one time. She loved the Red Sox, attending games, and watching them on TV. She loved to read, was an absolute master at Scrabble, and could hold her own playing Rummy with her family and friends. Most of all, she loved intimate gatherings with friends and family and spending quality time with her treasured grandchildren whenever she could. Friends and family are invited to attend calling hours on Friday, March 12, 2021 from 5-7PM in Pillsbury Funeral Home, 44 Gilbert St., North Brookfield. A private burial will be held at a later date in Grove Cemetery in Holden. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lupus Foundation of America, https://www.lupus.org/