Eleanor Reilly Dolan, 81, of Red Bank, formerly Little Silver, passed away Feb. 8, 2023, at home surrounded by her beloved daughters after a brief but aggressive battle with cancer. Born in Queens, New York, she grew up there until moving to Leonardo in seventh grade and then to Little Silver in 1967 where she lived for 54 years.
Eleanor graduated from Red Bank Catholic High School and then worked as a legal secretary before becoming a full-time homemaker and later a caterer. She was a beautiful woman both inside and out who was best known for her generous heart, sense of style, gift of gab, sense of humor, and volunteer spirit. For over 60 years Eleanor devoted herself to volunteering at school, church or in the community. Over the years she served as a Brownie and Girl Scout leader and PTO president in Little Silver.
She was also a devoted parishioner of St. Joan of Arc Parish on Fort Monmouth for over 35 years. Until the parish closed she could be found serving as a eucharistic minister, religious education teacher, organizing a fundraiser, or in the kitchen cooking for a church event. She was also a volunteer at the Valerie Center at Monmouth Medical Center.
In more recent years, she was devoted to raising money for Alzheimer’s research which was a cause near and dear to her heart. Eleanor was a devoted caregiver to her husband who battled Alzheimer’s for eight years. In partnership with We Care Adult Care she launched an annual bowling fundraiser which was later renamed the Roger T. Dolan Score a Strike for Alzheimer’s event in honor of her beloved husband. Between 2014 to 2022 her efforts helped raise over $150,000 for Alzheimer’s research.
Eleanor married her sweetheart Roger T. Dolan in 1962. In 1967 they moved to Little Silver where they started their family. Never were there more devoted parents and grandparents than Eleanor and Roger. Their three daughters were raised safe in the knowledge they were well loved and not a day went by that they were not told that by both of their parents. That legacy of love has been passed down by their daughters to their families. Much quality time was spent together with her daughters, sons-in-law and grandchildren, whether it was celebrating a holiday, birthday or just catching up for a Sunday fun-day.
Spending time with her grandchildren brought endless joy to Eleanor. Whether it was attending a game, a performance or simply hosting a sleepover, she loved her time with her six grandchildren. She especially loved teaching her granddaughters the fine art of shopping for a bargain!
Her friendships were numerous and long-lasting. She loved lunching with all her ladies, especially the monthly luncheons she organized with her “RBC Chicks.” She was the first to ask what she could do when she heard someone was in need, whether it was organizing a meal or a prayer chain. She was immensely comforted knowing her prayerful friends, some of whom she spoke with daily and were like sisters to her, were praying for her in her final weeks.
Eleanor was a most devoted wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and aunt. She was predeceased by her parents Thomas and Grace Reilly, her beloved husband of 57 years Roger, and two sisters, Ann and Margaret. She is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Regina and Joseph Donohue of Middletown, Laura and Stephen Taddeo of Middletown, and Maria and David Graminski of Shrewsbury; and her grandchildren Grace and Ellie Donohue, Christopher and Alex Taddeo, and Ethan and Gavin Graminski. She is also survived by dozens of nieces and nephews, but especially Grace Ann and Winfield Vanderzee, Leonardo, and Jacqueline and Kevin Devaney, Little Silver, all of whom she loved like her own children.
Visitation was held Feb. 13 at Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Feb. 14 at St. James Roman Catholic Church, Red Bank. Interment of her ashes will be held at a later date at the Brig. Gen. Wm. C. Doyle Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery.
To honor Eleanor’s volunteer spirit and Christian stewardship, the family requests that in lieu of flowers a donation to one of the following be considered: Eleanor Reilly Dolan Memorial Scholarship being established at Red Bank Catholic High School in her memory: redbankcatholic.org/give or Red Bank Catholic, Advancement Office, 112 Broad St., Red Bank, NJ 07701; or to Alzheimer’s New Jersey, 425 Eagle Rock Ave., Suite 203, Roseland, NJ 07068 or alznj.org.
The article originally appeared in the February 23 – March 1, 2023 print edition of The Two River Times.
