Margaret Rita Dolan

Margaret Rita O'Neill Dolan, born May 23, 1926, departed this world on November 1, 2015 and joined her husband Edward, grandson Sean, parents James and Helen O'Neill and brother William, on heaven's bright shore. She leaves behind sons Thomas (Karen), Edward (Janice), Dennis (Dee Dee), Michael (Pamela), daughter Helen Becker (Harry), grandchildren, Meagan (Alex Mitchell), Nicholas, Michael, Erin, Kevin, Ann and Kate and great grandchildren Hannah, Coralai, Tyler and Emily. She loved and adored all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. An avid reader, her other loves included dogs, snowstorms, painting with oil, New York City and her rosary group. Margaret (Peggy) grew up at 3831 Corporal Kennedy Street in Bayside, Queens, New York City where she graduated from Bayside High School. She married Edward on October 25, 1947. Peggy and her family lived in New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Illinois, Wisconsin and Florida. She was a grand lady of the old school, her home was always warm and welcoming to all. She enjoyed having dinners and parties for friends and family. Also, she enjoyed visiting other homes as she loved being with people. While living in the north she looked forward to the change of seasons and she loved the snow. In retirement, Peggy and Ed enjoyed their summer home in Port Washington, Wisconsin, overlooking Lake Michigan and their winter condo in Florida on the Indian River where they were thrilled many times seeing the space shuttle launch. Peggy was always active and found many things to keep herself busy. While living in Contoocook, NH, Peggy was the primary caretaker of the village's Catholic Church and while in La Crosse, Wisconsin she served as Executive Director of the Hixon House which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. In Titusville, Florida, for many years, she was a volunteer Eucharistic Minister at the Riverview and Vista Manor Nursing Homes. Peggy also donated thousands of hours at the Cape Canaveral Wildlife Refuge where she greeted visitors from all over the world. She loved telling them about the refuge and its many animals, birds, plants, backwaters and beaches. Peggy was a dedicated Catholic and a devote believer in the power of prayer. She attended mass nearly every day at St. Monica's Church in Whitefish Bay, WI. When diagnosed with cancer nearly three years ago, Peggy refused treatment saying that, at the time, a doctor would not come between her and The Lord. Peggy was also active in the Milwaukee Pro-Life Movement believing that every conceived child was a gift from God. Peggy was a great wife, mother and friend to many. She will be missed and thought of often. She passed away peacefully in her sleep. She will be buried next to her husband Ed and near her grandson Sean at Oaklawn Memorial Gardens in Titusville, FL. Service & Reception InfoPlease join the family at the visitation on Thursday Nov. 5th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Northshore Funeral Home, 3601 N Oakland, Shorewood, WI. The celebration of Peggy's life will be held at St Monica's Catholic Church on Friday Nov. 6th at 11:00 AM. Burial will take place on Saturday Nov 14th at 1:00 PM, Oaklawn Memorial Gardens in Titusville, FL. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Salvation Army, www.salvationarmyusa.org