Dorothy Fendrich Dolan, 89, passed away at her home in Carson City April 7, 2011. Dorothy was born Dec. 21, 1921, in Philadelphia, Pa., to Edgar and Dorothy Fendrich. Dorothy was raised in Philadelphia and moved to New Jersey where she met William "Bill" Dolan and became a "war bride" on Nov. 5, 1945. They were married in Asbury Park, N.J. She moved to Carson City that same year.
Dorothy has had a rich and full life involving herself in her community, with her tireless passion for history, public service and volunteer work. She gave her time, energy and expertise for the betterment of her adopted hometown. She worked for the Bell Telephone office in Carson City from 1945 until 1958 and was one of Carson City's telephone pioneers. Later she worked as the State of Nevada Chief switchboard operator for 28 years, retiring in 1986. Following her retirement she worked as a telephone operator at the State Legislature and volunteered at the State Library and Archives as a researcher.
Dorothy also volunteered at the Nevada Landmark Society, now the Carson City Historical Society, located at the Roberts House Museum, coordinating Carson City and vicinity Victorian Garden and Christmas tours each year sine 1969. She held the offices president and vice president. She served as volunteer genealogist for Daughters of the American Revolution. In 1927 Dorothy was one of the youngest children ever initiated into a Chapter of the Children of the American Revolution, and as a adult joined the John C. Fremont Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1981. She served as Nevada State Regent from 1988-90 and represented Nevada in Washington, D.C., for several years at the Continental Congress. In 1991 she helped found the Nevada Washoe Zephyr Chapter of the DAR. She was past state regent for the Daughters of the American Revolution. Alongside her husband, Bill, she was involved in volunteer work with the Carson Host Lion's Club, Nevada Day Committee and was a member of the Leisure Hour Club. In 2006 she started a new venture as historian and antique dealer and opened up an antique shop called White Cat Antiques, a dream she always wanted to fulfill.
Dorothy was preceded in death by her husband, Bill who passed away in 2006, and a granddaughter, Christa Ballew-Matthews also in 2006.
She is survived by her son, Trent Dolan and a daughter, Susan Jeanne Dolan Ballew (Gary) both of Carson City; one brother, Blake Fendrich (Grace) of Southern California; four grandchildren Billy Dolan (Christine), Ryan Dolan, Catha Lagere, and Mark Ballew and six great-grandchildren Eilish, Elora, and Rowen Matthews; Breanna and Jonny LaGere and Liam Dolan.
There will be a celebration of life memorial service for Dorothy at 3 p.m. Thursday, April 14 at St Peter's Episcopal Church in Carson City. She will be laid to rest with her husband at Lone Mountain Cemetery.
Walton's Chapel of the Valley is in charge of final arrangements.
