Obituary of Rita T. Dolan

Rita T. Dolan 84, of State College, died peacefully in her sleep with family by her side on Saturday, February 20, 2016. Born February 9, 1932 in Chicago, she was the daughter of the late Spencer and Mary Flynn Sweeney. She graduated from the Loretto Academy in Chicago in 1949. She and her husband, the late Thomas J. Dolan, were married January 17, 1953. She is survived by her three daughters, Mary Pat Dolan, of State College, Marjorie Dolan and her partner Veronica Murry of Vineyard Haven, Mass., Kathleen Pellas and her husband Ted, of New Providence, NJ; three sons, Thomas Dolan of Bethesda, Md., James Dolan of Boston, Mass., John Dolan and his wife Teresa of Washington, D.C., fifteen grandchildren, and one sister, Margaret Berger, of Homewood, Ill. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Catherine Casey and Patricia Fennell, and one brother, Robert Sweeney. A city girl at heart, even though she lived in State College for over 50 years, she still referred to Chicago as “home”. Rita was a voracious reader, a masterful crossword puzzle solver, and a very recalcitrant cook. She was fascinated by current events and the house was rarely without the sound of CNN or NPR in the background, and the newspaper and the New Yorker magazine on the kitchen table. She treasured her beach travels over the years, especially the annual pilgrimage to Sanibel Island with her husband Tom. She had a wonderful sense of humor, a strong spirit and a classic style. Her children and grandchildren were tremendous sources of pride and joy for her. Visitation will be from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and 6:00-8:00 p.m. on Thursday, February 25 at Koch Funeral Home, 2401 South Atherton Street, State College. Funeral Mass will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, February 26 at Our Lady of Victory Catholic Church, 820 Westerly Parkway, State College with the Rev. David Griffin and Rev. Neil Dadey officiating. Burial will be in Centre County Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Our Lady of Victory Catholic School, 800 Westerly Parkway, State College, PA 16801 the Catholic Campus Ministry at Penn State University, 205 Pasquerilla Spiritual Ctr., State College, PA 16802 or National Public Radio, 1111 North Capitol Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002. Arrangements are under the care of Koch Funeral Home, State College. Online condolences and signing of the guest book may be entered at www.kochfuneralhome.com.