Dolores Estelle Zahner

Dolores Estelle Zahner

"Dolly"

August 7, 1933 - November 16, 2024

On November 16, 2024, Dolores (Dolly) Estelle Zahner (nee Fortier), daughter of the late Paul and Barbara Fortier, peacefully passed away. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and cherished member of her community.

Dolly leaves behind a profound legacy. She was the devoted mother of (7): Darlene Zahner, Lawrence Zahner (and the late Tam), Keith Zahner (and Donna), Glenn Zahner (and Kasey), Jeffrey Zahner (and Tammy), Michele Franklin, and Wayne Zahner.

Dolly’s love extended to her (10) grandchildren, including: Lauren Moser (Clemens), Jillian Hickson (Kyle), Jenna Thayer (Paul), Jonathan Zahner (Lauren), Ashlea Zahner (Jack Chalmers), Jeffrey Zahner (Shayla), David Franklin (Katelin), Sophia Zahner, Lawrence Zahner III, and Garrett Zahner; and (3) step-grandchildren: Caitlyn Archer (Ryan), Danielle Devore (Josh), and Nicole Stone (Brady).

Additionally, she had (7) great-grandchildren:  Annalise, Kayla, Emily, Danica, Beckett, Brooks, and Bonaventure; and (2) step-great-grandchildren: Wade and Cameron.

Dolly’s family bonds were strong, reaching beyond generations. She is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Dolly’s life began in Grand Rapids, Michigan, but her heart found its home in Baltimore, Maryland. At the age of two, she moved to Baltimore, where she grew up and eventually married her love, Lawrence (Bunny) Bonaventure Zahner Sr. Together, they embarked on a journey of love and commitment, raising their seven children.

Tragedy struck when Bunny suddenly took ill and passed away in 1980.  Despite this loss, Dolly’s resilience shone through. She single-handedly raised five children, who were still living at home, demonstrating unwavering faith, strength and love.

Dolly found joy in simple pleasures. She loved playing bingo at church, taking line-dancing classes, relishing moments spent with family and friends, and immersing herself in crafting alongside her fellow homemakers. But above all, her greatest pleasure was being with her family and caring for her home.

Dolly’s kind-hearted nature extended beyond her family. She actively participated in church activities, finding fulfillment in volunteering through her service in Parent Educators and the St. Clare Sodality.  She spent many years counting and tabulating the weekly Church collections along with her best friends and also laundering and ironing the linens used during masses and other services. Her legacy of compassion and service will forever resonate in the hearts of those who knew her.

Friends are invited to pay their respects at Bruzdzinski Funeral Home P. A. at 1407 Old Eastern Ave, Essex at route 702 (beltway exit 36) on Wednesday November 20, 2024, from 3-7 PM.  A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Clare Catholic Church, located at 714 Myrth Ave, Essex on Thursday November 21, 2024, at 10am.

Dolly’s final resting place will be at Gardens of Faith Cemetery in Rosedale, MD.  In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a cause close to Dolly’s heart, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital https://stjude.org

May her soul find eternal peace, and may her memory continue to inspire love and kindness in those who knew her.