Dorothy Kolakowski

Dorothy “Dolly” Kolakowski (nee Malone), passed away on January 20, 2024 in the loving arms of her family. Dolly was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1940. She attended St. Martin’s Academy and St. Benedict’s schools where she excelled. Dolly was one of two girls in her class selected to attend the Institute of Notre Dame from where she graduated in 1958. She then received a scholarship to attend Notre Dame of Maryland graduating in 1962 with a degree in English and secondary education. She married the love of her life, Michael, in August 1962 and began her teaching career, from which she took a break to raise her daughters. Dolly continued her studies earning a master’s degree in early childhood education from Towson University. She taught in Anne Arundel County Public Schools until her retirement in 2011.

Dolly embodied the expression live, laugh, love. Raised in southwest Baltimore, the eldest of three, Dolly was always a caretaker. She doted on her younger siblings and often babysat cousins who lived nearby. You could always count on her for a story about her close-knit neighborhood. She met her husband of 56 years, Michael, in Ocean City, MD, the summer she turned 17. While they sat on a bench on the boardwalk, the song An Affair to Remember wafted out from one of the venues. Michael said, “Maybe this will be an affair to remember.” Indeed it was. They married five years later the same day they met. Together, they had a beautiful love story full of adventures, passion, quiet evenings, and, most of all, family. Dolly ended visits and conversations with family by telling them she loved them with her whole heart. She lived her life loving with her whole heart.

Dolly’s laugh was infectious. It was impossible not to have a good time when you were with her because she saw the funny side of life and had a great sense of humor. She loved to play cards and Scrabble (rarely losing), and entertain friends, colleagues, and family. She was deeply devoted to her big Irish family, a loyal friend, and a kind and thoughtful neighbor. An avid Orioles fan, she watched every game. A dedicated teacher, she provided a foundation for generations of students in her kindergarten and Grade 2 classes.

She lived her life to the fullest, attending sports and school events of her children and grandchildren, celebrating their graduations, weddings, and accomplishments. She loved music, especially the BSO and Patsy Cline, plays, and reading. Dolly was happiest with a house full of friends and family, always wanting to extend the fun.

Dolly was a resident of Severna Park for the past 51 years. She is survived by her three loving daughters, Maura Taylor (Mike), Bethany DeLude (Mike), Cara Kolakowski-Jacobs (Chris), grandchildren Elizabeth Yuhasz (Alex), Michael DeLude (Meghan), Coleman DeLude (Cassie), Monica Salters (Joe), Keegan Taylor, Rory and Harper Jacobs, and great-grandson Owen. She is predeceased by her beloved husband, Dr. Michael Kolakowski, Jr., great-grandson Brennan Doll, parents Doris (Curley) and Henry Malone, sister Carol Malone and brother Patrick Malone.

A celebration of her amazing life will be held at St. Andrew by the Bay in Annapolis, Maryland on March 1 with mass at 11:00 a.m. followed by a luncheon in the parish hall. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Hospice of the Chesapeake in her name