Helen Dolan

Dolan, Helen Page Kalamazoo Passed away early Friday morning, December 16, 2022. Helen's life began in 1925 in Grand Haven, Michigan. She was the daughter of Jefferson and Ida (Hoffmeister) Page. She lived in Grand Haven until her graduation from high school. At that time her family moved to Battle Creek where her father worked for the Grand Trunk Railroad. In Battle Creek, she worked for 6-1/2 years in the office of a medical doctor, where she was both secretary and the doctor's aide. These years were the foundation of her love for health care and working with patients. In 1948, she married Gerald (Jerry) Dolan and they moved to Kalamazoo where he was employed by The Upjohn Company. Together, they raised four children and had 37 happy years enjoying life until his death from leukemia in 1985. Some years later, she was blessed to meet Carl Wise. They were married in 1990. Both were very grateful for the time they were together. Carl passed away in 2018. At the age of 48, Helen went to the Kalamazoo Practical Nursing School and earned her LPN degree. She was the president of her class. Following graduation, she worked at Bronson Hospital for 15 years, mostly with oncology patients. These were very rewarding years. Helen then worked at Park Village Pines for 14 years. This was a very satisfying part of her life. She cared deeply for both residents and staff. She is survived by her children, Kathleen Dolan (Jonathan) Hill of Richland, Nancy Dolan of Richland, Patricia Dolan (Malcolm) Hickok of Richland and Michael (Perla) Dolan of Garner, NC; grandchildren, Kristin (Ford) Reinink, Chelsea (Josh) Hall, Samuel Dolan and Brennan Dolan; great-grandchildren, Max and Donna Reinink, and Evelyn and Selah Hall; and sister-in-law Marie Page; Carl's family, Gretchen Reist, Anne (Bill) Pfund and Paul (Kristine) Wise. Besides her husbands she was preceded in death by her parents and siblings, Col. L.L. Page, Esther Page Halbert and Marilyn Page Zande. Helen felt very fortunate to have lived the life she did and was eternally grateful for the family and friends who were a part of it. "SHE HATH DONE WHAT SHE COULD." Mark 14:8 A private service will be held at a later date. There will be no visitation. We thank Grace Valley, an assisted living facility, for turning our mother's final year into a more peaceful journey. If you wish to make a memorial donation in Helen's name, please consider Grace Valley or Centrica Care Navigators, c/o the funeral home. Friends may share a condolence message at www.Joldersma-Klein.com.