Eileen R. (Ankiewicz) Dolan

ATHOL- Eileen R. Dolan, aged 86, a resident of Athol, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully at Quabbin Valley Healthcare on October 23, 2023.

She was born on May 30, 1937, in Chelsea, Massachusetts, and attended Holy Rose School. Eileen was the cherished daughter of Stanley W. and Mary E. (Sinnott) Ankiewicz and is survived by her three sisters, Helen Florentino, Edna Walsh, and Mary Ann Harris.

Eileen was once the loving wife of the late John F. Dolan Jr.,

She was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother to the following:

Her daughter, Anne Chenausky, and her two children, Andrew Grace, and Amanda (Mario) Oliveira, and their four children (Noah, Pearl, August, and Julieta).

Her daughter, Darleen (Kurt) LeGrand, and their two children, Kyle (Jennifer) LeGrand and their children, (Kaeden, and Kole), and Hillary LeGrand.

Her daughter, Marie Johnson Eveleth, and her six children, Marie Pramataris and her children (Amara, Raymond Jr., Aiden), Kendra (Charles) Casey and her children (Briaunna Beckner, Brandon Ritter, and Bailey Ritter), Robert Eveleth and his daughter (Madison Eveleth), Amanda (Anthony) Vicente and their children (Ariaunna Eveleth, Jordyn Vicente, Antonio Vincente, Christian Vincente, Briella Vincente, Cierra Young), Alysha (Thomas) Hamblin and their children (William Lesser, Caleb Hamblin, Layla Hamblin), and a son Shane Davis Jr.;

Her son, Frederick Stanley Ankiewicz.

Eileen was also blessed with many great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

Eileen's journey through life was marked by a fulfilling career. She worked at the Boston Mutual Insurance Company. She was a dedicated waitress for many years in Boston, most notably at the iconic Durgin Park. She later relocated to Michigan, where she continued her career as a waitress and became an active union member. Returning to Massachusetts, she worked as a waitress at the White Cloud in Orange, where she was affectionately known as "Lanie" to many regulars. Eventually, she transitioned to a role as a certified nurse's aide before her well-deserved retirement.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Eileen was a vibrant soul who cherished life's every moment. She enjoyed reading, cooking, playing cards and bingo, going bowling, dancing, listening to music of all genres, and traveling and spending quality time with her friends and family. Eileen dedicated herself to her daughters' activities, participating in girl scouts and bluebirds, and roller-skating school events, and talent shows. She spent many summers nights bike riding with her best friend Bonnie and their children to get ice cream. She was a devoted spectator at the ballpark fields, cheering on her daughters' softball games and celebrating numerous city championships. Eileen reveled in the joys of witnessing her grandchildren grow into adulthood, graduate from high school and college, attend baby showers and weddings, and eventually become parents themselves. Her cherished moments of shopping and sharing lunches with her daughters and their children enriched her life.

Eileen was predeceased by her parents, her sister Jennie, and her brother Stanley Jr.

Eileen's memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. She touched the lives of many, leaving a legacy of warmth, love, and cherished memories. Her kindness and joyful spirit will be deeply missed.

There are no calling hours.

A memorial service to honor Eileen's life will take place on November 18, 2023 at 11 a.m. at Witty's Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, MA, followed by a burial at Silver Lake Cemetery, Athol.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Alzheimer's Foundation (alzfdn.org) or The American Breast Cancer Society (abcf.org).

The family would also like to extend their gratitude to the staff of Quabbin Valley Health Center, Dana Unit,  for their loving care and support during this difficult time. Your dedication and compassion were deeply appreciated.

Witty’s Funeral Home, 158 South Main Street, Orange, is assisting the family.

Guest book and directions online at  WWW.WITTYFUNERALHOME.COM

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