Eileen Dolan McDonnell

January 05, 1966 - March 30, 2024

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Obituary for Eileen Dolan McDonnell

Eileen Dolan McDonnell, 58, of Pittsford, NY, passed away on March 30th, 2024.

Eileen is survived by her three beloved children, Ryan, Mollie, and Meghan McDonnell all of Milton, MA. Eileen's mother, Mary Helen Dolan, cherishes her memory as well as her three siblings, Kate Kelley, Robert J Dolan, and Thomas Dolan. Predeceased by her father, Robert J Dolan.

Eileen had a radiant presence and a heart full of love that could brighten up an entire room. Her warmth and kindness touched the lives of everyone she encountered. Eileen was known for her work at Sweetlife Cafe in Dorchester, MA, where she forged enduring friendships, or within her cherished community in Pittsford, Eileen's impact was profound.

Eileen’s always showed her strength throughout her life, but it especially shined brightest in her last 5 years of life, as she bravely fought Breast Cancer. She was not only a loving mother but also a dear friend who selflessly gave her time and support to those around her. Eileen's laughter was infectious, and her smile could light up the darkest of days.

Eileen attended Our Lady of Mercy High School, where she undoubtedly left a lasting impression with her positivity and kindness. She continued her education at Trinity College in Vermont, where she cultivated her passion for learning and made lifelong connections.

Her passing leaves a void in the hearts of all who knew her, but her memory will continue to live on in the countless lives she touched. Eileen will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by her family, friends, and community.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated, Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in St. Gregory's Church, 2215 Dorchester Avenue, Dorchester at 11 o'clock. Visting Hours, Wednesday, April 3, 2024 in the Dolan Funeral Home, 1140 Washington Street, DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS, 9- 10:30 am. Interment, Friday April 5, 2024 in St. Patrick's Cemetery, 221 High Street,Victor New York.

Services

3 Apr

Visiting Hours

09:00 AM - 10:30 AM

Dolan Funeral Homes and Cremation Services- DORCHESTER LOWER MILLS 1140 Washington Street Dorchester, MA 02124 Get Directions »
3 Apr

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Saint Gregory Church 2215 Dorchester Avenue Dorchester, MA 02124 Get Directions »
5 Apr

Interment

11:00 AM

St Patricks Cemetery 221 High Street Victor, New York 14564 Get Directions »
by Obituary Assistant

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Condolences

  • April 22, 2024

    Just seeing this now and I'm so very sorry for the loss of Eileen to her family and friends. We met at BCH when her son and mine went to school together and we loved seeing her at Sweet Life when we went for breakfast. She was always so friendly and uplifting. Praying for her family🙏.. Teresa and Bob Norton

  • April 07, 2024

    I got to know Eileen when I went to the Sweet Life Cafe. She was one of a kind and we instantly bonded. She was such a sweet person but I hate to say this in the past tense because I know that a woman like hers spirit will live well beyond this earthly plane.

  • April 05, 2024

    All the best to all of you!! Cherish the memories. Eileen will always be found in your hearts and you may feel her thoughts if you listen. Eileen is safe in the next life now. Love lives on. God bless, Eileen! ❤️❤️❤️

  • April 03, 2024

    God bless Eileens' soul. My partner and I met her this past year when she moved across the street from us in Dorchester. We saw her everytime we went to Sweetlife, and often on the park near our home. Eileen was always CERTAIN that we got our issue of the Dorchester Reporter! She really was a bright spot in any day we saw her. May she live on in her families memories and ours as well. Sending much love and condolences. Joe and Whit

  • April 03, 2024

    To the Dolan family and Eileen's children, I send hugs and my heartfelt condolences. She was a sweet and lively soul her entire life! I have fond memories growing up with her in the neighborhood when she was called Babe (because she was the youngest Dolan kid), and I truly enjoyed catching up with her as an adult when she would visit her sister in the DC area. May she rest in peace.

  • April 03, 2024

    Dear Eileen's children and family, I am so sorry to hear of Eileen's passing. Sending you all comfort, strength and healing. I went to school with Eileen in Vermont. We recently reconnected after nearly 40yrs. We had a wonderful conversation and stayed in touch by text... her spirit was energetic and full of life and love. I remember our many chats in VT when she was recovering from a knee injury. And when I transferred to UMASS, she came to visit me for a weekend. My constant memory is her beautiful loving smile. May you all be blessed with her loving memories. Sophia Makonnen

  • April 03, 2024

    Eileen, you made every meal better. Your warmth, your attentiveness, your heart, your time spent and time given was never in vain. 🙏🏽❤️💪🏽 A true Beacon amongst her peers! Cat and Xi

  • April 03, 2024

    Our deepest condolences to all who loved Eileen. Eileen was our next door neighbor when we first moved to Milton in 2010, and she was so warm and welcoming. We're very sorry to learn of her death and send our love to her kids and other family and friends. - Mark Redmond & Tracy Dyke Redmond

  • April 02, 2024

    I am truly saddened to hear of Eileen's passing. I met Eileen at Sweet Life through friends Dana and Mark. I will never forget Eileen for her amazing personality and her kindness to me. God rest her soul. My sincere condolences to Eileen's family and friends. I pray that God will bring comfort to them in their loss. Eddie Mallory

  • April 02, 2024

    Ryan, Mollie, and Meghan I'm very sorry for your loss of your mother. Please know you're in my thoughts and prayers. May your mom RIP. Love, Sheila

  • April 02, 2024

    So sorry to read this news. I, too, was a Trinity College classmate. Eileen was a lovely person -- inside and out. Full of positivity, joy and kindness for everyone. My deepest condolences to all who loved her. The world is a sadder place without her. All best, Melissa Smith

  • April 02, 2024

    I am so sad to hear of Eileens passing. I was her first college roommate and even though we have been miles apart we always had that connection. I was so glad we did finally see each other more in person recently and had great talks on the phone. She loved her children and family so very much and was so proud of you all. Her strength, positivity and energy was boundless even through the toughest battle. She always did everything at 120%! I wish I could be there in person to celebrate her life and give you all hugs. Love and prayers from Annette Villani "skippy"

  • April 02, 2024

    My deepest condolences to the family. I met Eileen at Sweetlife Cafe. She was always pleasant; I called her my WINGWOMEN because she tried to hook me up with someone. She suggested who I should sit by and who I should TALK to. We became friends three years ago when I moved to Boston; she has shown so much love at Sweetlife Cafe. She had a lovely heart and was a warm, caring person; our last conversation was two weeks 23rd. (Saturday ) she stressed to me that she wasn't feeling too well. My heart was broken when I found out about her passing, and she is going to be missed at Sweetlife Cafe. Regards, Addie White