Nancy M. Dolan

Nancy Marie Dolan, 87, of Fairfield, Connecticut, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by her family and friends. She was the beloved wife of the late Thomas M. Dolan.

Born April 26, 1938, to Frederick and Florence Walsh Miller, Nancy was raised in Pelham, New York. She was a proud graduate of Manhattanville College and the middle of the three close-knit “Miller Sisters,” alongside Roberta “Bobbie” Gilhuly and Judith “Judy” Sobocinski—affectionately known as “BONANJU,” with Nancy proudly serving as the “NAN.”

Nancy’s life was grounded in family. Many of her best memories were made surrounded by those she loved, in the places she held closest—summers on Fairfield Beach and winters in Stratton Mountain, Vermont—always together, always with family and friends.

Fairfield was home for Nancy, where she and Tom raised their five children. Family came first—always. She built a life rooted in love, care, and always being there for others. She had a quiet way of putting people at ease, of making you feel seen and taken care of. She lived by a simple belief: be considerate, be honest, and be genuinely caring—and she carried that into everything she did.

She loved the everyday moments most—time around the table, stories that stretched longer than planned, and a house that was rarely quiet. Traditions mattered to her, and she made sure they were kept, year after year.

Known as “Ms. Poifect,” Nancy had a gift for detail and an instinct for making things feel just right. Her “informal” gatherings were anything but—thoughtfully put together, beautiful without trying too hard, and never overdone. People felt comfortable the moment they walked in. And when they left, it was always a little later than expected, a little happier than when they arrived—full of laughter, often with Lester Lanin playing in the background.

That same focus and care defined her career. Nancy spent more than 40 years in real estate, earning a reputation as one of the most respected agents in Fairfield County. She was sharp, driven, and completely committed to her clients. Somehow, she gave that same level of energy to her work while never losing sight of what mattered most at home.

Above everything else, she loved her family.

Nancy was predeceased by her husband, Thomas; her parents; and her sisters, Bobbie and Judy. She is survived by her children: Thomas (Lynn), Mara (Daniel) O’Day, Peter, Stephen (Amy), and Christopher (Carrie). She was a proud grandmother to Tommy III, Patrick, Tierney, Meghan (Paul), Brendan, Christopher, Caroline, Robert, and Taylor, and great-grandmother to Charles. She will also be missed by her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

There’s no simple way to sum up a life like hers. She brought care, style, strength, and a sense of home wherever she went. What she created—through family, traditions, and the way she made people feel—will carry on.

A very special thanks goes out to the never-ending compassionate care and patience provided to mom over the last few years by the Visiting Angels team and especially Roslyn who somehow managed brilliantly for the past 2+ years. Our heart and thanks to all of you.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 25 at 10:00 AM at St. Anthony of Padua Church, 149 S. Pine Creek Road, Fairfield. Burial will follow at Oak Lawn Cemetery. Friends and family may visit at Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 S. Benson Road, Fairfield, on Tuesday from 4–7 PM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Nancy’s name to St. Vincent’s Swim Across the Sound. This foundation provides vital funds for cancer patients in the Fairfield Region to cover essential living expenses while in treatment. Donations can be made here at St. Vincent's Swim Across the Sound. Select “Oncology Patient Assistance – Swim Across The Sound Fund” as where you would like the donation to be directed.