Obituary of Marlys Mae Dolan

Marlys Mae Dolan

Marlys Mae Dolan passed away on March 27, 2024 at the age of 62 from an unexpected heart attack.  Up until her untimely and sudden passing she was full of life always seeking new adventures and activities for her family to experience and enjoy with her.  Marlys was a caring and giving wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend and is survived by her husband, Anthony; her daughter, Cassie; her son, John; her Mother, Sandy; and her sister, Vickie.

Marlys was born on August 22, 1961 and was raised in Portland, Oregon living in her family home with her parents Darrell and Sandra Shaw and her sister.  She attended Woodstock Elementary School and Franklin High School where she was active in sports and cheerleading. After completing High School, she attended Oregon State University and pledged Alpha Chi Omega sorority and then transferred to the University of Northern Colorado where she received her Bachelor’s Degree in Biology.

After graduating from college, Marlys pursued her dream of traveling, joining Continental Airlines as a flight attendant.  She took full advantage of the travel opportunities visiting many countries and 45 states, bringing her parents on some amazing trips.  She loved to share her travels with family and friends sending postcards and picking up souvenirs and trinkets for everyone. 

Marlys and Anthony met in 1991 through mutual friends and together had two children: John and Cassie.  Marlys and Anthony had many adventures as a couple during their marriage as well as with their children. They explored many countries including France, Egypt, Greece, England, Fiji, Australia, Ireland, Spain, Portugal, Switzerland, Paris, and Italy. They spent a considerable time with her family on the east coast visiting Washington DC and New York City.

Marlys and Anthony would have celebrated their 31st Wedding Anniversary on April 16, 2024. Marlys devoted her life to her children, leaving her career when John was born. She was always there for them and fully present giving her time and love generously and seeking opportunities to make memories with them. Marlys loved being involved with her children in their school activities and volunteering with her wonderful group of mothers at Valley Catholic. Being a Room Mom and ensuring the classes always had a great experience was a priority for Marlys.

As John and Cassie moved on to Jesuit High School, she enjoyed being on the lunch crew along with the other involved parents. She loved to venture out and find new and interesting places and events to take her family. Often these outings included animals - llama’s, goat yoga, zoo’s and especially any place that had otters. Marlys loved all animals especially her pets and was a devoted pet parent often staying up all night to care for her 17-year-old Chihuahua, Rosita. 

Marlys was a giver, she loved planning get-togethers with friends and baking cookies and making chocolates and candy for family, friends and neighbors.  She was a loving and devoted aunt to her nephew, nieces and great nephew and nieces always remembering birthdays and holidays and staying involved in their lives. Most importantly she was the best Mother she could be for John and Cassie.  We Love her and Miss her.

A Memorial for Marlys Mae Dolan will be held at:

5:00 PM on Friday May 17th, 2024 at the

Hidden Hills Community Center

5100 NE Hidden Creek Drive

Hillsboro, OR  97124