Shirley Dolan, 85, of Becket and Holliston, MA died peacefully at home in the early morning of April 29. She was the beloved wife of the late Philip Dolan.

The youngest of seven children, she was born in 1928 in Pittsfield, MA to Thomas and Elizabeth Kinsella. She was raised in Stockbridge and graduated from Williams High School in 1945. She then attended New England School of Art in Boston. It was there, while pursuing a career in fashion illustration, that she met her future husband. She brought her artistic flair to all of her endeavors, especially in her role as wife and mother.

She leaves behind her six children: Salee Sweeney of Santa Fe, NM, Michael Dolan of Austin, TX, Patrick Dolan of Holliston, Holly Van Sicklen of Medfield, Kelly Dolan-Jarvis of Lenox and Nicholas Dolan of Becket. She also leaves 11 grandchildren, many nieces and nephews and her beloved daughter-in-law Laurie Dolan, who made sure in Shirley’s later years that she had plenty of art supplies and cookies.
The family would like to thank Carol Haartz for her warm companionship and Metrowest Hospice for their excellent care during their mother’s final days. Donations in her name may be made to MetroWest Hospice. A private service will be held in Stockbridge at a later date.