Anne Louise Dolan

Anne Dolan, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, mentor, and friend died November 4, 2020, at the age of 97. Anne Louise Madsen was born September 15, 1923, in Sacramento, CA, the only child of Sidney and Sophie Gerson Madsen. She grew up in Las Plumas where Sidney worked for the Western Power Company which became P G & E. They moved into Oroville when Anne began high school. She graduated from Oroville High School in 1941. It was there that she met her future husband, William H. P. Dolan, Jr. known as Bill, who had relocated from Brooklyn, New York, to live with his aunt and uncle. During World War II, Bill enlisted in the Army Air Corps, and after he received his first solo flight wings, they were married in Santa Maria, CA, on September 29, 1943. Anne followed him to training sites in Marana, AZ; Marfa, TX; and Hobbs, NM; but returned to Oroville in 1944 to await the birth of their first child. After Bill's distinguished war service, he was honorably discharged in November 1945, and they continued to live in Oroville. Bill and Anne moved to Chico in 1951, where they raised their 7 children, a daunting but wonderful experience. Dealing with seven strong-willed individuals was certainly a daily challenge for a woman who herself was an only child. When their youngest left home, Anne was hired by the soon-to-be-opened Holiday Inn - her first job outside of the home since her marriage. Starting as a secretary, she soon became the Catering Manager, a job she enjoyed and excelled at for several years. With the birth of their first grandchild in 1983, Anne gladly took on the much better job of grandmother. She and Bill relished their time with their grandchildren. Bill passed away in 1990, and after 46 years of marriage, Anne faced the difficult isolation of widowhood. Surrounded by the love and support of her family and friends, Anne also reached out to the Chico Widowhood Program, which was sponsored by Brusie and Bidwell Chapels. When the director moved to Oregon a year and a half later, Anne agreed to become the new Director, a job and passion she devoted her considerable skills to for the next 15 years. She wrote a monthly newsletter, planned weekly breakfasts and luncheons at many different Chico-area restaurants, coordinated special holiday events several times yearly, and most importantly, held weekly support groups for both widows and widowers. In 2008, Anne decided she no longer wanted to live alone, and moved in with her youngest daughter Eileen. Anne remained active and independent for the rest of her life, slowed by the stroke she suffered on February 2, 2020. Anne was in therapy at California Park Rehabilitation Hospital where she spent the last 9 months of her remarkable life. Cal Park's staff lovingly cared for Anne during those last difficult months. Anne's remarkable life not only impacted her family, but also a wealth of others of all ages who benefited from her many skills, positive attitude, and ability to adapt well to all the challenges and experiences that life offered her. Anne was predeceased by her husband Bill in 1990, and her son Patrick in 1974. She is survived by her children Marie, Theresa, Jane (Bob Mulholland), Michael (Debbie), Kevin (Renee), and Eileen; her grandchildren Sarah (Devin Van Hout), Patrick, Andrew, Jessica (Layshia Clarendon), Timothy (Ana Mathys Feaster), and Erin; and her great-grandsons Porter and Hendrik Van Hout, Mateo Feaster, and another on the way this December. Due to the virus pandemic, there will be a family graveside service. A celebration for Anne will be held as soon as it is safe to do so, and it will indeed be a celebration for everyone who loved and was loved by her. Anne asked that remembrances be an act of kindness and a gift to a charity of choice. Arrangements are under the direction of Brusie Funeral Home and condolences can be left on their website.