Dolly was adopted into the loving arms of Matilda (Tillie) Neola (Slovacek) and her Husband John Sebastian (J.S.) Neola. At that time, Dolly became the beloved little sister to Gerard (Jerry) Neola; a STRONG bond developed, one that lasted the entirety of their lives.
Many pictures exist documenting the smiling face and blonde curls of a young Dolly. She was clearly, deeply loved by her family. Unfortunately, Tillie passed away when Dolly was 6. J.S. quickly remarried, and happy childhood memories became scarce for Dolly and Jerry.
WWII began, Jerry joined the Army, and Dolly eagerly awaited every letter he sent home from myriad exotic locales, absorbing every detail. She spoke of Jerry coming home on furlough, being prompted, lovingly, to hop up on the kitchen table, and J.S. shining his boots until they were "mirrors".
Eventually, Dolly became a Catholic nun at the age of 17. Pictures from that time reveal a beautiful and radiant young woman - glowing even within the confines of her habit. Dolly’s longing for a family of her own could not be quelled any longer, and she made the difficult decision to leave the convent in her early 30’s.
Dolly entered into an almost foreign world of the early 1960’s. She flourished, finding an apartment and employment. Her face lit up when she spoke of those years. She started dating, and eventually married Howard Watson Argue (Martin’s Ferry, OH) with whom she had two daughters Emily Sue, and Julie Marie. Dolly, finally, had a family of her own, and forever referred to this time as “the best time of my life.”
As the girls grew, and Dolly returned to work, family holidays were spent with Jerry, his wife, Lucille (Lu), and their now twelve children. There were visits with Howard’s side of the family (the Walters) and family friends as well (the Binders). Dolly taught herself everything: sewing, cooking, gardening, etc. She excelled at ALL of these.
Dolly was involved in myriad craft groups (TWIG); church groups; and women’s retreats at Camp Akita (an absolute favorite). Dolly always made sure to check on elderly neighbors or watch others’ children when needed. She loved snow and instilled in her daughters a deep love of the natural world, taking them on long wood’s walks on the weekends.
Eldest daughter Emily eventually became an RN, and daughter, Julie, an Art Therapist. Dolly shared with anyone who would listen how deeply proud she was of her daughters She was incredibly funny and became an avid storyteller.
Dolly’s legacy is one of almost heroic resilience and tenacity, while always maintaining deep kindness and compassion toward others.
Dolly will be greatly missed by her daughter Julie; Julie’s husband (Tom Sinclair); mother-in-law and friend (JoAnn Sinclair); all of Dolly’s beloved nieces and nephews and their families; myriad friends from across the decades, and staff members at Mayfair village.
She was preceded in death by daughter, Emily Sue Argue; husband, Howard Watson Argue; brother, Gerard John Neola; sister-in-law, Lucille (Lu) Neola (Bova).
Memorial Service will be held at 11am on May 25, 2024 at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Rd, Columbus, OH 43221.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/
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