Barbara Ellen (Sorensen) Dolan

BARBARA  DOLAN

(1941-2016)

   Barb Dolan, beloved partner of Wayne Olson of Coleman, Alberta, passed away just after midnight on September 27, 2016 after celebrating her 75th birthday.

   Barb was born on September 26, 1941 in Creston, BC to parents Simon “Sam” and Violet Sorensen.  The seventh child of eight children, she spent her formative years going to school and helping out on the family’s dairy farm.  As a young woman, Barb moved to Calgary, AB where she met, married and had two children with Angus Dolan.  Barb retired young and spent most of her retirement years snow-birding for 6 months of the year in Yuma, AZ with her life partner, Wayne Olson. Barb was a prolific and talented crafts maker; her family and friends enjoyed the benefit of the clothes she sewed, the sweaters and blankets she knit and crocheted and all of the little knick knacks she contributed to each household, especially the painstaking work that went into molding and weaving together beautiful pine-needle containers of various shapes and sizes.  She treasured spending happy hour with friends and family at the local Legion in Coleman, cherished moments with Wayne in their park down in Yuma, but she was most fond of making items to contribute to the local children's hospital in the Crowsnest Pass and the care centre down south to aid in their fund raising.

Barb is survived by her life partner of 20 years, Wayne Olson, her daughter, Laura (Norm Fraser) Dolan-Fraser; her son, Leslie (Donna Graham) Dolan; sisters, Kate Harris and Marion MacDonald; step-daughters, Sharry (Carl) Cimolini and Debbie (Dwight) Beynon; grandchildren, Aaron, Ashley, Derek (Tanya), Brian, Carla (Brad), Tamille and Robbie; and the most recent joy of her life, great grand-daughter, two year old Joey; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

   Barb was predeceased by her first husband, Angus Charles Dolan; companion, Ray Kasha; parents, Violet and Sam Sorensen; brothers, Johnny, Dave, Stan and Carl Sorensen; and sister, Ann Bjornsen.

   With respect for Barb’s wishes, no funeral services will be held.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in memory to the Alberta Children’s Hospital, (2888 Shaganappi Trail NW, Calgary, AB  T3B 6A8).  She will be laid to rest with her husband, Angus Dolan, in Queen's Park Cemetery, Calgary, AB at a later date.  Condolences may be registered at www.fantinsfuneralchapel.ca.

Fantin's Funeral Chapel entrusted with arrangements. (403) 562-8555.

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