Marie Anita Dolores "Dolly" (Buteau) Asselin, age 84, passed away on July 19, 2025 at Baystate Medical Center. She was born on June 14, 1941 in Chicopee, daughter of the late Felix and Corinne (Vincent) Buteau. Dolly was a communicant of the former Assumption Parish before they closed and then became a communicant for St Rose de Lima Parish. She was a graduate of Holy Name High School, Class of 1959. She worked for the City of Chicopee for over 40 years as an Assessor and then a City Collector before she retired in 2002. Dolly was a dedicated member and officer of the Chicopee Lodge of Elks 1849, a member of the Chicopee Moose Family Center and the Franco-American Women's Club. She also volunteered for many years at Lorraine's Food Pantry and was involved in many political organizations.
Dolly had a distinguished career as a trained operatic soprano performing at NYC Metropolitan Opera with the lead role of Mimi in La Boheme and performed at the Lincoln Center as Inez in “Il Trovatore”. She brought opera to Chicopee as the lead role in a production of Madame Butterfly.
Dolly was an avid traveler visiting many countries in Europe, the Caribbean, and many destinations throughout the U.S. She loved to vacation with her family in Wildwood, NJ. Especially with her 3 sisters, who gave themselves the title of the “Golden Girls”
Dolly was a take charge woman, yet selfless, with a heart of gold. Anyone who knew her also knew she was the first in line to assist anyone in need.
She was a loyal Red Sox fan, rarely missing a game whether traveling to see them or watching them on TV. She is predeceased by her beloved husband Eugene Asselin who passed away in 2021 and also by her son Craig Asselin who passed away in 2022; her siblings, John Buteau, Normand Buteau, Madeline Sample, Laurette Valentine, Theresa Maiolo and her life-long friend, Barbara Cove. She is survived by her daughter in law, Diane Asselin of Longs, SC along with many loving nieces, nephews, extended family and friends who will miss her dearly. Calling hours will be held on the morning of the funeral, Saturday, August 2, 2025 from 8:30 – 10:30 AM at the Grise Funeral Home followed by a Mass of Christian Burial in St Rose de Lima Church at 11:00 AM. Burial will follow in St Rose de Lima Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children's New England, 516 Carew St, Springfield, MA 01104 or to Lorraine's Soup Kitchen and Pantry, 170 Pendexter Ave, Chicopee, MA 01013. For online condolences, please visit www.GriseFH.com.