Theresa M. (Van Leer) Dolan

Theresa M. Dolan (nee Van Leer) passed away on July 24, 2024, at the age of 71. She was born on May 18, 1953 to the late Walter and Dorothy (nee McNichols) Van Leer. 

Theresa was raised in the Fishtown neighborhood of Philadelphia, in Holy Name Parish. Later, she moved just a short distance away to St. Anne parish with her own family, where she remained throughout her life. Theresa was a proud graduate of John W. Hallahan High School for Girls, Class of 1971. After high school, she achieved a long career in healthcare, first as a unit clerk in St. Mary's Hospital and then as an OR liaison at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, where she worked until her retirement. Theresa loved her job, her coworkers, and especially her patients. 

Theresa was an avid reader and enjoyed watching Lifetime movies. Her passion was food, whether it was eating, cooking, going out to eat, or just talking about food, especially chocolate. It was also her love language and a way for her to care for her family, whom she loved more than anything in the world. If Theresa was around, no one would ever be hungry. Theresa was also a devout Catholic who always stayed close to the Lord. She attended mass regularly and prayed the rosary at home with her husband. She will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Theresa is the beloved wife of James P. Dolan Sr. Devoted mother of Nancy Cullen (Edward), Nicole Dolan, and James P. Dolan Jr. Loving Mom-Mom of Jonathon, Sierra, Alexis, Ryann, Killian and three great grandchildren. Dear sister of the late George Brown (Alberta), Dorothy Wurtenberg (Jack), and Buddy Van Leer. Sister-in-law of Jack Dolan (Fran), Patsy Simmons (Owen), Mary Ellen Donohue (Mike), Michael Dolan, Patrick Dolan, and the late Daniel Dolan and Thomas Dolan. Also survived by her many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing and funeral Tuesday July 30, 2024 beginning at 9am in St. Anne Church 2328 East Lehigh Ave. (lower) 2328 East Lehigh Ave. Philadelphia, PA 19125 followed by her funeral mass at 11am. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorial contributions to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia or Fox Chase Cancer Center at the addresses listed below. 

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