Obituary of Erica Eveline Dolan

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our mom Erica Evelyn Dolan on January 7, 2023.  Erica passed away suddenly at Bethany Meadows in Bashaw, AB with her best friend Janet Hicks by her side.  Erica’s already delicate heart could not survive COVID.

Erica was born May 8, 1932, in Red Star, Alberta to parents Joseph and Antonia Mainka.  Erica was the baby of twelve siblings and the last survivor.

Erica loved nursing and started at a young age, looking after people was something she did with all her heart.  She worked in various hospitals throughout Alberta, it was while working as a nurse she met and later married Bud Dolan in 1950.  This union was blessed with four children, son Tom; daughters Pat, Evelyn and Sandra.  The family moved to Golden BC, and mom worked in Golden Hospital until she retired at 65.  They then moved to Bashaw, AB to live beside her son Tom and daughter-in-law Annette.  Mom got to enjoy the outside barbecues and open fire pit with her son and daughter-in-law next door.

In time  Mom had to move into Bethany Lodge for more care and had many good friends.

Mom volunteered with Meals on Wheels, had many good years of camping in Spur Valley, BC, enjoyed many wonderful hours playing cards with her friends, bingos and casinos and loved visiting her children and grandchildren.

Mom had many obstacles in her later years, but she was so strong and determined she won the fights every time.  She was told she wouldn’t walk again last year but many times while on the phone with mom she tried desperately to get herself into bed.  Even though she knew she would get in trouble if she was caught, she never gave up.

Mom was always there to help her children with any heartache or tough decisions in their lives.  If even half her strength can be passed on to her girls, they’ll make it too.

Erica was predeceased by her husband Bud; son Tom; son-in-law Ed; granddaughter Gloria; parents and eleven siblings.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations would be appreciated to Bashaw Home Care,  Bashaw, AB T0B 0H0.

No formal funeral service will be held at this time.  Erica has joined her husband Bud and their little dog Duffy  and will be laid to rest in the spring, along with a celebration of her life.