Maureen K. Dolen ... enjoyed gardening; at 65

STRAFFORD - Maureen K. Dolen, resilient mother and relentlessly good soul, died peacefully on Friday, Dec. 8, 2023, at 65 years old. Maureen died peacefully in Portsmouth Regional Hospital, surrounded by family.

Maureen is survived by her two sons, Robert Dolen and Ryan Dolen; as well as her two siblings John and Mark Manning; and several more brothers and sisters-in-law, nephews, cousins, and other family members from the Dolen and Manning sides of the family.

Born in Salem, Mass., on Nov. 19, 1958, Maureen was the daughter of John (Sr.) and Katherine Manning, and grew up alongside her brothers Mark and John Manning Jr. in Peabody, Mass. She graduated from Bishop Fenwick High School, Class of 1976. Graduating from Bridgewater College in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science in Education, Maureen always had a passion for working with children. She served as a paraprofessional and substitute teacher in Strafford Elementary School from 1996-2007 in Strafford. Maureen also served as Deputy Town Clerk from 2003-2007, and served in the dining services of Strafford School, Coe Brown Northwood Academy, and the University of New Hampshire from 2007-2020. Maureen moved to Strafford in 1984 with her late husband Robert Dolen, who she married on Oct. 24, 1987. They raised two sons, Ryan Dolen and Robert Dolen.

Known by many for her charisma, stubbornness, but most of all kindness, Maureen Dolen touched the lives of many throughout her life. Whether it was in her childhood home of Peabody, Mass., or her hometown in Strafford, Maureen was well-known (sometimes unbeknownst to her) by the many peers she worked with, children she taught, friends she knew, and loved ones she held dear.

Maureen achieved a lot during her lifetime. She became a local legend in Peabody for being an incredible basketball player in the 1974-1975 season, with her team taking home the Division II North championship, as well as runners-up for state champions. She also served on the Center Strafford Cemetery Association for years. She also religiously tended to her bountiful garden and fruit trees in Strafford annually, among many other accolades across the years.

However, most of all, she was an unforgettable mother. She did what no other mom could do -- and more -- in raising her sons. Maureen trifled with challenges no mother should ever have to face. And yet, despite all the trials life could throw at her, she raised two boys nearly by herself. Whether it was as difficult as getting both of her kids through college, or as easy as waiting at the end of a friend's driveway to pick one of them up from a party, Maureen did everything for her sons. They will serve to immortalize her persistent and persevering heart as best they can.