Dora Ann "Dodie" Bolander's Obituary
Dora Ann “Dodie” (O’Connor) Bolander, 90, of Olmsted Township, Ohio, passed away peacefully at the Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake on November 28, 2025.
Born on June 22, 1935, in Louisville, Tennessee, she was the beloved daughter of Carrie L. (Morton) O’Connor and Samuel A. O’Connor. She shared 60 years of marriage with her devoted husband, James E. “Jim” Bolander.
Dodie grew up in rural Tennessee in the Smoky Mountains during the Great Depression, where she learned resilience, compassion, and the value of family. As a young woman, she lovingly cared for elderly relatives, including her aunts and uncles. At the age of 18, she moved to Pennsylvania to continue caring for family, and it was there, in 1963, that she met Jim while he was stationed at Olmsted Air Force Base. Their meeting marked the beginning of a lifelong love story. Dodie went on to build a career as an office manager at the base, where her dedication and warmth touched colleagues and friends alike.
She is survived by her loving daughter, Beth Whiteley. Beth’s husband, Trevor, preceded Dodie in death in March 2024. She is also survived by her son, Brad Bolander, and his wife, Jennifer. Dodie was the proud grandmother of Kate Bolander (Justin Clark) and Sophia Bolander, who brought her endless joy.
She was predeceased by her parents, Carrie and Samuel O’Connor; her sister Laura Louise Cook (W. Roney); her brothers Thomas Ray O’Connor (Ellaveive), Samuel A. “Junior” O’Connor (Helen), John H. O’Connor (Mary), and Robert M. O’Connor (Helen); and her sister Nancy Alice Kirk (J. Harrison).
For nearly 60 years, Dodie was a devoted member of Olmsted Community Church in Olmsted Falls, Ohio. She served faithfully on numerous committees and boards, and together with Jim, was instrumental in the heart of the church’s life. Her faith was a guiding light, and her service reflected her love for Christ and her community.
Dodie will be remembered for her joyful spirit, hopeful outlook, and deep spirituality. She was fun-loving and had a gift for making people smile and laugh. Her kindness and boundless love touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her, leaving behind a legacy of warmth and compassion.
After retirement, Dodie and Jim loved to travel with friends. They traveled to Germany, Ireland, Alaska, Hawaii and numerous ballparks around the country.
A visitation is going to be held on December 8th, 2025 from 3pm-8pm at Sunset Chapel, 6245 Columbia Road, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070.
A service will be held the following day, December 9th, 2025 at 10am at Olmsted Community Church, 7853 Main Street, Olmsted Falls, Ohio 44138. A private burial will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Olmsted Community Church Memorial and Endowment Fund, The Hospice of the Western Reserve, or a local animal care organization of your choice.
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