Doris Dolighan

Doris Dolighan, 81, passed away peacefully at her nursing home Shalom Cares on Friday October 22, 2021. She was surrounded by love, holding her daughters hand at the time of her passing.

Born July 12, 1940 in Berlin, Germany, Doris was a fighter from the beginning, surviving the turbulent times of World War II. Doris came to the United States in 1961 with her military husband Thomas P. McCarthy and young daughter Peggy.

In America Doris thrived, even through difficult times. In 1969 she married Thomas A. Dolighan and eventually settled in Aurora, Colorado in 1976 with her second daughter Michelle.  Doris was a child care provider for 20 years, nurturing and guiding young children at her in home child care, loving on the “Turkeys” as she called them. At the age of 52 she made a huge career change and began a journey of beauty with Macy’s corporation as a cosmetic specialist, she especially cherished her time and success with Chanel and was lovingly referred to as “Madame Chanel”. She adored taking care of her customers, many becoming like family. She retired at age 74.

Doris loved to have fun, always with a great sense of humor! Her deep love for her country and special German culture was celebrated daily and instilled in her family. She enjoyed her time working with Colorado Ballet for many years, running their boutique, helping support the arts community and the dancers. Her 7 grandchildren were her great joy, she spoiled them constantly and was such a fun Omi. She also loved the Denver zoo and enjoyed many days there strolling, feeding the birds and eating ice cream.

In May 2014 Doris suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke that was diagnosed as fatal however, in typical Doris style she fought through and made enormous progress, spending her remaining 7 years at Shalom Cares nursing home in Aurora surrounded by incredible love from the caregivers as well as family/friend visits.

Doris is survived by her daughter Peggy (Mike Costello) and Michelle (Ryan Rodenbeck) and grandchildren Jennifer (Dylan Lucas), Helen, John (Kimberly Costello), Katie (Nick Marshall), Alex, Tyler and Evan as well as her brother Michael Bruess (Ute). Preceded in death by her loving parents Kurt Bruess and Hildegard Hannig.

Services will be held Friday October 29, 2021 2:30-3:30pm at Eastern Hills Community Church 25511 E. Smoky Hill Rd, Aurora 80016, and an open house reception 4:00-6:00pm to follow at Greenfield Tennis and Pool Clubhouse 20601 E. Fair Lane, Centennial 80016.

Flowers can be sent to Eastern Hills Community Church re: Doris Dolighan or a donation in Doris’ name to Shalom Cares (please contact Rhonda Morrison via email rhonda.morrison@shalomcares.net)