Karen Rose (McGrail) Dolan

Karen Rose (McGrail) Dolan 73 years old, wife of John P. Dolan of 53 years was called to heaven where she was greeted by her mother and father, Antoinette and Peter L. McGrail, her best friend and sister Ellen Faucher.

Karen passed peacefully surrounded by her loving husband and daughters, on September 23rd from a brief battle with cancer.

Born in Newport Rhode Island, she moved to East Hartford as a child. She had a strong faith and was an active member of St. Rose Church, and the lady’s guild. She was an avid baker, pies were her specialty and made desserts for weekly bingo night at church.

Karen leaves behind her daughter Kora Galiffi and her husband Andrea Galiffi of East Hartford, her daughter Jessica Dolan and her partner Joseph Ginther of East Hartford. Her grandchildren who were her pride and joy, Paul & Michaela Kapij, Josephine & Sophia Buccheri and Jackson Galiffi.

Karen is survived by her 6 siblings Stephen and Janice McGrail of East Hartford, Peter McGrail of East Hartford, Carol Kinsman of South Windsor, Thomas and Arvilla McGrail of Manchester, Joseph McGrail and partner Doug Robins of Canton and Mary McGrail of East Hartford.

She loved to cook, making weekly spaghetti & meatballs on Wednesday and roast beef dinners on Sunday’s where she spent quality time with her family. Karen loved the golden oldies of the 50’s & 60’s and enjoyed dancing. She took daily walks with her husband and played games each night with her sister Mary who she provided care for. Karen was loving, caring, kind, and generous to everyone she met, volunteering her time for various organizations.

Karen was a second mother to all her nieces and nephews, offering support and encouragement. Karen believed that family was of the utmost importance. She valued her many friendships and made time to have daily phone conversations with each of them.

“When you are sorrowful, look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.”

Calling hours for Karen will be held Thursday, September 28, 2023 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Newkirk & Whitney Funeral Home, 318 Burnside Ave, East Hartford, Connecticut 06108. A Mass of Christian Burial will occur Friday, September 29, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Saint Rose Church, 33 Church St, East Hartford, Connecticut 06108. The family request you meet them at the Church the morning of the funeral Mass. Committal Service will be held immediately following Mass at 12:00 pm at the family plot in St. Mary's Cemetery, 930 Burnside Ave, East Hartford, Connecticut 06108. In lieu of flowers; donations in Karen's name can be made to: North American Martyrs Parish (St. Rose/St. Mary's Churches) 15 Maplewood Ave. East Hartford, CT. 06108, make check payable to: North American Martyrs. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.NewkirkandWhitney.com for the Dolan family.