Carole Ann Dolan

Carole Ann Dolan was born on February 2, 1938, in Rockford, Illinois to Claude (“Toad”) and Alma Cowan.  She spent much of her youth in Durand, IL, a community she fell in love with and loved her entire life, graduating with the Durand High School Class of 1955.  Carole was the oldest child of her family which also included Robert (“Bob”) Cowan, Jim Cowan, Randy Cowan, Susan (“Sue”) Cowan, Steven (“Steve”) Cowan, and Claude (“Mickey”) Cowan, Jr. 

Carole married the love of her life, Louis A. Dolan, Jr. on February 26, 1967. They had 2 children, Patrick A. Dolan, and Kiersten (“Kira”) S. Dolan. Beloved by her children, nieces, and nephews, as well as the neighborhood children, Carole was known as “Mom” or “Aunt Carole” to every young person she met. Famous for her baking skills, she always had chocolate chip cookies on hand for anyone who wanted one (or more). 

Carole lost Lou on February 3, 1978, to cancer. She raised her children alone, always putting their happiness and well-being ahead of her own.  She worked as the Foundation Development Specialist at the Swedish American Medical Foundation, retiring in 2017. 

Carole was preceded in death by her brother Mickey Cowan, husband Louis Dolan, mother Alma Cowan, Father Claude Cowan, brother Steve Cowan, and brother Jim (Theresa) Cowan.  She is survived by her children Patrick Dolan and Kira Dolan, brother Bob (Gladys) Cowan, brother Randy (Mary) Cowan, sister Sue (Toby) Johnson, numerous nieces and nephews, numerous former classmates and friends, and her lifelong friend Sally (Dolan) Goodwill.  Her kindness, laughter, and smile will live on in the memories of her loved ones and every young person who adopted her as their own surrogate mother – far too many to count. 

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