- Date Of Birth: July 25, 1932
- Date Of Death: January 17, 2023
- State: Maine
Gray-Mary Dolores “Dolly” Daigle passed away peacefully at her home with her family on January 17th following a long illness. She was 90 years old.
Dolly was born on July 25, 1932, in Houlton, Maine to parents Peter John and Louise Dombek. She was the older sister to three brothers; Twins Joseph (previously deceased) and John of Iowa, and (youngest) Peter of New Mexico. Dolly attended public schools, worked at the local movie theater and excelled in many areas. She was a Home Room Officer, Student Council President and Co-Captain Cheerleader. She was a member of the Honor Society, English Club, French Club and other civic and charitable organizations. While in high school, she met her long-time sweetheart “Super” John M. “Jack” Daigle, who sat in front of her in class.
Dolly attended Bates College in Lewiston, graduating with a B.S. in Geology. On February 5th, 1955, she married Jack Daigle, her surviving husband of 68 years. Following a brief move to Boston, Jack and Dolly returned to Portland, then eventually settled in Cumberland where they raised their four surviving children: John “Marty” Daigle Jr.
Throughout her life, Dolly worked tirelessly for the Catholic Church. At Holy Martyrs in Falmouth, she served on councils, taught CCD for years, and participated in many church events, fairs and fundraisers. Her faith was the foundation of her life, and she followed it with full acceptance of others, calm grace, and kindness to all. She would confront and resolve conflict expertly, often say to her arguing children“… those in glass houses…” or “… only peacemakers will find peace…”. Amazingly, Dolly was never heard denigrating a single human being nor swearing once her entire life.
Dolly later retired with Jack in 1988. They purchased a large parcel of land with beautiful fields, riverfront and a pond in Gray, where they built their retirement home.
Dolly’s legacy will carry on, always, with her family and others who will never forget her peaceful nature and gracious presence. She truly chose to live a life of meaningful acts of love and service, like Christ modeled for all.
