Jeanne Marie Dolan
Jeanne Marie Dolan, of South Boston, entered into eternal life on June 6 after a courageous battle with cancer. Jeanne (Gigi) was the beloved daughter of Elaine A. Kelley of Naples, Florida; she was sister to Kathleen Dolan Kennedy (John) and Patrice Morse (Carter).
“Uncle” Gigi was so proud of and devoted to her nieces and nephew: Shannon, John, Ally, Sophia, and Juliet. They were the center of Gigi’s heart and world.
Jeanne is also survived by her half-siblings, Brittany Mautner (Eric) and Jay W. Dolan. Her niece Molly preceded her in death. Jeanne was also preceded in death by her father, J.W. Dolan, M.D.
Gigi was blessed with a circle of friends, whom she embraced as family: Janet Meserobian/Moroney (John), a lifelong friend, and her children (Morgan and Alex); and last but certainly not least, her dearest friend and companion, Stephen Garrity.
We will remember Jeanne’s fondness of Martha’s Vineyard (and her screen name “chappyferry”), as well as her trunkful of presents and endless store of research-project ideas for her nieces and nephew.
Jeanne was a dedicated physician, having studied at Boston University School of Medicine and Tufts New England Medical Center. She worked for many years at McLean Hospital as a psychiatrist, primarily for adolescents.
Jeanne’s family members wish to express their gratitude to the doctors, nurses, and staff at Massachusetts General Hospital and Spaulding Rehabilitation Center who cared for her.
Memorial Service at First Congregational Church of Milton, 495 Canton Avenue, Milton, Friday June 15 at 11:00 AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours at Dolan Funeral Home, 460 Granite Avenue, EAST MILTON SQUARE, Thursday June 14 from 5-8 PM.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation on Jeanne’s behalf to Camp Jabberwocky (campjabberwocky.org) on Martha’s Vineyard or Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (fightcf@cff.com).
Guestbook Entries
I am heartbroken for you. I feel so many things, and I am imagining the unfair and cruel empty space in your lives. I remember how strong and loving a family you are. When I heard what was happening it was like my air was gone. I have only felt this one other time.
Gigi blazed into my life at a time when I was not fit to be anyone’s friend. She persevered in all her creative ways and we became fast friends before later drifting apart. Gooch never left my heart.
I am so grateful to have spent hour upon hour imagining, scheming, talking, and theorizing with each other until exhaustion set in and tears turned into laughter. Her devotion, time, and love was selfless, unlimited and magical.
She was a fellow adventurer, the antithesis if a killjoy, a sacred, generous and trustworthy friend, and my Godmother. I always thought I would see her again.
I wish I could give back to you what Gigi gave to me. She was gifted, otherworldly and opened her life to me. Gigi resuscitated my heart, head and spirit and the empty spaces were gone.
I love you Geej. Not fair.
The entire Chinetti family would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to Jeanne’s family. We have known Jeanne since her days at Children’s hospital when she first took my twin daughters under her wing. We were fortunate enough to reconnect with her when we heard she was on the South Shore. Jeanne was not only our daughters Dr but became a friend ( as 1 can after so many years ) She was so very good to my entire family. Her attitude and courageous fight was only yet another of her wonderful attributes. She always talked so lovingly of her nieces and nephew and loved to talk about what my girls might be Into for music tv shows etc and compare. She pushed them to be independent and self sufficient and was always looking for ways to include them. Our world is a sadder place without her in it and we were fortunate to have had her in our corner.
I may have only met Gigi once or twice decades ago, but I credit her for introducing Patrice and through her, me, to Camp Jabberwocky, a place that remains dear to me and my family, and was a transformative experience in my life. I am grateful to both of you for being, and for mom for raising, women who would not only be drawn to such a place of giving to others and celebrating life, but also to have big enough hearts to share it with others. My heart breaks for all of you, but I hope that you can see that the tremendous impact that Gigi had on me was undoubtedly amplified hundreds-fold in the many many others she touched. May her memory be a blessing for you all.
Very Sorry to hear about Gigi. May your love for her and each other (the love she had for you) get you through these days now and the days to come. God Bless.
Auntie Elaine, Kathleen and Patrice, We were so sorry to hear of Gigi’s death. We will be thinking of you and sending love and prayers at this very sad time.
She was a special woman who touched many people deeply. She will always have a piece of my heart and I know many others have felt her unique gift of friendship. My deep condolences and hugs to her family and friends.
My son, Mark, and I will always think of Jeanne as breath of fresh air in the journey of despair with regards to Mental Illness.
Coincidentally, I found that Dr. Dolan who was treating my son at MacLean Southeast a few years ago, was my classmate from Milton Academy class of 1980. She was very busy, but took time to correspond with me as no one else in the field of psychiatry had ever done. I only wish that I had known Jeannie better. Such a great person. Shine On Gigi 💜🌈 Josh & Mark
It ‘s been over 25 years since I have seen or spoken to Gigi. Yet she has never left my heart, and never, but for a few days, my mind.
I can’t erase the memories of visiting her at the Mass General Burn Unit, where she gently treated one whose face was a burnt crisp. Nor, forget her coming home and describing an AIDS patient who injected a needle into her own eye.
I was older, but she was so much wiser, more caring and patient.
A mutual friend, one who also loves her, described her as sometimes “prickly”. Yes, she could be. But, once the sting abated, one saw that her amazing brain connected directly to her mouth, as did her heart to her hands. And, she taught, to those who heard, what was so genuinely felt.
I learned so much from Gigi.
It seems a cruel injustice for Gigi to endure such pain and for her family and loved ones to endure such loss. I pray she has “rode ahead” to teach others about love and caring and authenticity, as she taught us?
I am so sorry for your loss. Gigi is with her Lord now and experiencing His Love and Joy. May those left behind find peace in knowing that Gigi is wrapped in the arms of God.
There aren’t enough words to describe the brilliance this woman possessed. Her determination, fire, and passion in her work and love for her patients and people that mattered to her in general was unconditional. She could be fierce and tough, but her strength and guidance in turn made you stronger and believe that you too were capable of anything!
I never got to say a formal thank you and I didn’t call her Gigi. Her isms still popped into my head and her numerous emails and conversations discussed have made my life better, more fulfilled; but most importantly – never to settle. Never to be disrespected or to tolerate ignorance or meanness and to use you voice and always your brain and heart!
I loved Jeanne as a person for her capabilities as a doctor but because she has an ability to be human and gentle and compassionate in some of the most challenging and difficult times.
I loved her ability to make me laugh, cry, get mad, but then in turn become better. Her ability to teach me to never stop questioning, guessing, testing, and learning.
There isn’t enough space to write the impact Jeanne had on me. Not enough words or hugs to thank her! For once I am glad I sent the emails I did to her even when she advised against it!
I am heartbroken that someone that gave everything she had to better others suffered the way she did, especially knowing she knew a lot of what was actually happening to her because she was so smart. If I could have one more moment in her office – I know
We would just laugh at the silly things that everyone thinks are important in life – that really don’t matter!
Also, I will always see her on MV somehow and in some way – as we always go there!
I don’t know Stephen but I can tell she loved you! You were her type of person!
Torri’s Mom – she loved you guys so much! She loved Torri so very much 💙 I remember when torri passed – I am so sorry for your loss but glad Gigi was there for you 💙I hope torri and Gigi are hanging out!
This isn’t goodbye JMD 💙