Nancy P. (O'Leary) Dooley

Nancy Patricia Dooley, 87, of Cherry Hill Road, Johnston, RI, passed away on Friday, June 5, 2026, at HopeHealth Hospice in Providence, RI. Born in Stevens Point, WI, on
April 3, 1939, she was the beloved wife of Thomas F. Dooley. They were married for over 60 years. She was the daughter of the late Francis “Jerry” O’Leary Sr. and Gladys
(Berthiaume) O’Leary.

Nancy grew up in Minnesota and, at a time when not many women were able to attend college, she was awarded a scholarship to the former College of St. Theresa in Winona, MN, before graduating from the College of St. Catherine in St. Paul. She began her professional life of helping others as a social worker in Chicago, before running political campaigns, and serving as a teacher’s aide. After moving to Norwalk CT in 1983, she was hired as the Director of Meals on Wheels for the City of Stamford and later became a certified financial planner for IDS/American Express focusing on Women and other under-served populations. After moving to Rhode Island in 1994 to be closer to her children, she owned and operated Mount Maple of Wickford Bed and Breakfast.

While raising three boys with her husband Tom, Nancy served as a Cub Scout den mother and supported various social movements including the Equal Rights Amendment and the Peace Movement of the 70’s. She was a board member of her local YWCA and helped establish one of the first domestic violence shelters in the Chicago area. She was also actively involved in several like-minded faith communities throughout her life, including most recently with the Women’s Alliance at the First Unitarian Church in Providence. She was an avid book reader, fervently proud of her Irish heritage, and maker of “the best fudge ever.” She loved gardening, antiques, her dogs, and above all, cherished time spent with friends, family, and especially, her grandchildren.
She is survived by her husband, Thomas Dooley Sr., and their children: Thomas Dooley Jr. and his wife Pamela of Wickford, RI; Daniel Dooley and his wife Patricia of Mansfield, MA; and John Dooley and his wife Nancy of Glocester, RI; as well as her grandchildren, Annice Dooley, Sean Dooley, and Grace Dooley. She was predeceased by her beloved siblings, Francis O’Leary Jr., Maureen O’Leary-Pivec, and Kathleen O’Leary.

There will be a celebration of Nancy’s life at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please feel free to make a donation to Rhode Island Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals https://www.rispca.org/

Family and friends may share memories and condolences at www.gortonmenardfuneralhome.com