Merrilyn Gayle Dolan

Merrilyn Gayle Dolan (Gayle), beloved wife of Robert Dolan, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre on October 10, 2022, at the age of 85 years.

Gayle was born in Peterborough, Ontario on June 9th, 1937, to parents John & Vera Playford. It was while serving in the military as a payroll clerk that she met and fell in love with Bob Dolan. Together they moved west in 1974, settling in Calgary, Lethbridge and most recently in Kelowna, BC where they spent a few short years before returning to Lethbridge 22 months ago. Gayle always considered Lethbridge home, spending her time as a member of The Red Hat Society and Lethbridge Quilting Club. She was instrumental in founding the Professional Secretary International, Lethbridge Chapter and spent countless hours running the Westminster pool alongside Bob, who helped with the janitorial duties. Her work as a Professional Secretary allowed her the opportunity to work with companies such a C.P. Rail & Cadillac Fairview. She was the Secretary to the Project Manager responsible for the relocation of the C.P. Railyard to Kipp during the construction of what is now the Park Place Mall.

It is difficult to summarize the amazing life that Gayle led over the past 85 years. She lived her life with tremendous passion.  She was a devoted wife, a dear friend to many, a selfless mother, and a dependable employee. She did everything in life with her whole heart. She found joy in playing cards with family and friends, cheering for the Ottawa Rough Riders (now the Ottawa Redblacks) and was always willing to take part in a round of bingo!  If you knew Gayle, you knew she had a love for dogs. She spent her life in the company of dogs, raising them and volunteering her time with the Lethbridge Kennel Club, spending numerous hours at dog shows.

She will be dearly missed.

Gayle is survived by her loving husband of 48 years; her children Lori (Randy) Beresford, Kathryn (Grant) McLean, Kerri Anne (Herve) Nadeau, Larry (Cinderella) Dolan, and Angela Dolan; her siblings Sherry Fryia, Rick Playford, and Judy Waymark.

Gayle has been reunited with her parents Jack and Vera Playford, and her brother Jackie. Gayle was a grandmother to PJ and Andrew Nadeau and great-grandmother to Isabella Nadeau.

A Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 14, 2022, at CHRISTENSEN SALMON GENERATIONS FUNERAL HOME 703 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, Alberta.

For those that wish, memorial donations may be made in Gayle’s memory to a charity of one’s choice.

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