WORCESTER-Elizabeth (Betty) M. (McGuinness) Dolan, 84, of Worcester, died Thursday, November 25th in the Beaumont Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Center, Westborough. Her husband of 32 years, John F. Dolan, died in 1983. She leaves two sons, John F. Dolan, Jr. of Dedham and Robert W. Dolan of Honolulu, HI; her daughter, Nancy J. (Dolan) Jasgur and her husband Christopher of Rutland; six grandchildren, John F. Dolan, III and Cara E. Dolan, Erin E. and Colleen C. Dolan and Benjamin A. and Aline S. Jasgur.
Mrs. Dolan was born in Worcester, the daughter of Francis J. and Gertrude E. (Maher) McGuinness. She was a 1944 graduate of Classical High School and a 1947 graduate of the Worcester City Hospital School of Nursing. During her early years as a Registered Nurse, she worked at Worcester City Hospital, Fairlawn Hospital, and as a visiting nurse and a school nurse. In her 40’s, she returned to school and received her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in English from Assumption College. Mrs. Dolan then began her second career as an educator, teaching first Health Education at North High School and then English at Doherty Memorial High School during the 70’s and 80’s. Her commitment to her students was recognized early when one of her first classes dedicated their yearbook to Betty, who they affectionately called ‘Ma’ Dolan. Upon retiring from teaching, Betty returned to nursing as a utilization nurse reviewer, most recently for Masspro.
She was a member of the former St. Charles Borromeo Church, the Worcester City Hospital Alumni Association, and the Massachusetts Teachers Association. Among her numerous interests, Betty took pleasure in traveling, crossword puzzles, shopping, theatre, and the company of her many friends. She spent many happy summers at the family camp at Cool Sandy Beach, Rutland. Betty especially enjoyed the ocean and taught her entire family the art of body surfing.
Forward thinking and independent, Betty was often ahead of her time. Her generous nature, sense of humor, and infectious smile have impacted many lives and she will be greatly missed by all who loved her.
The funeral is Tuesday, November 30th from O’CONNOR BROTHERS FUNERAL HOME, 592 Park Avenue, with a Mass at 10:00 AM in Blessed Sacrament Church, 555 Pleasant Street. Burial will be private. Calling hours are Monday, November 29th from 5:00 until 7:00 PM in the funeral home. Please omit flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to the Britney Gengel’s Poorest of the Poor Fund, Inc., P.O. Box 355, Rutland, MA 01543, Abby’s House, 52 High Street, Worcester, MA 01609 or to the Alzheimer’s Association, 311 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472.