Age 84, of Attica, died suddenly Friday morning December 28, 2012 at the Erie County Medical Center, surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 14, 1928 in Attica, the youngest child of the late Augustus and Pearl (Rykert) Merle. She was preceded in death by her loving husbands, Charles J. Dolan in 1982 and Thomas E. Rider in 2010; brothers and sisters-in-law, Harry (Dorothy) Merle, George (Dorothy) Merle, Richard (Alice) Merle and sister and brother-in-law, Margaret (Ralph) Merrill.
Dorothy was a 1945 graduate of Attica High School and was employed by New York Telephone Co. in Batavia. She was also the Alexander High School office secretary for 24 years. She was an active member of St. Joachim and Anne R.C. Church in Attica, avid gardener and member of the Attica Garden Club, participated in a weekly card club, enjoyed golf, was a former member of the Attica Golf Club, loved to travel, and was a member of the Telephone Pioneers. Most of all, she loved her family and the time spent with them.
Surviving are her beloved children: John (Jule) Dolan of Geneva, James (Cindy) Dolan of Bennington, Mary Jo (Douglas) Matla of Oakfield, Kathleen (Quentin) Fitch of LeRoy and Karen (Don) McJury of KY; sister-in-law, Helen Merle of Alden; grandchildren, Jaime & Sean Dolan, Erin (Jason) Dressel, Lindsey (Zachery) Clark, Kacy (Jessica) Dolan, Grant (Rochelle) Matla, Dolan (Sophie) Matla, Gregory (Alyssa) Fitch, Adam Fitch, John (Katie) McJury, Brenna (Kyle) Richardson and Eric (Jodie) McJury; 9 great-grandchildren, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.
Family and friends may visit from 3-7 PM on Sunday December 30, 2012 at the Michael S. Tomaszewski Funeral & Cremation Chapel, LLC 4120 West Main Street Road Batavia, New York 14020. Dorothy's Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 AM Monday December 31, by Father Karl Loeb, at St. Joachim and Anne R.C. Church, 50 East Ave., Attica, New York 14011. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Dorothy's memory are suggested to the church, Stevens Memorial Library, or Dollars for Scholars at Alexander High School. For more information please call Michael at (585)343-7500.
THE FAMILY OF DOROTHY JANE (MERLE) DOLAN IS BEING CARED FOR BY THE MICHAEL S. TOMASZEWSKI FUNERAL & CREMATION CHAPEL, LLC 4120 WEST MAIN STREET ROAD BATAVIA, NEW YORK 14020.
