Dorothy E. Hannan
July 8, 1927 – March 5, 2026
The most wonderful woman in the world, Dorothy E. Hannan, (nee Bollbach), 98 and ½, saw her Heavenly Father on Thursday morning, March 5, 2026, with family by her side. Dorothy would have turned 99 yesterday. She was patriotic and would have loved celebrating her birthday, along with the 250th birthday of America this week!
Born to Otto and Mamie (Peterson) Bollbach in Kearny, NJ, Dorothy was raised there. She was fortunate to have her relatives, including grandparents, aunts/uncles, and others living in the same town when she grew up. After meeting Tom at an Intervarsity Christian Fellowship Christmas party in NYC, they married and lived in North Arlington, before moving to Westfield 67 years ago.
Dorothy earned a full scholarship and graduated from Newark State Teachers College (now Kean University) with a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She worked for the Kearny School System and loved teaching Kindergarten for 11 years before raising a family. She also taught art classes at Covenant Christian School. Once her daughters were older, she worked at a local daycare school, and also was recommended by her pastor to help out a family where the mother had died suddenly. She was able to help the young children by filling their lives with activities like picking wildflowers and teaching the girl to sew.
During high school and through college she had many different jobs that she would speak of fondly. Among these were working for Congoleum-Nairn, where she and another high school classmate were hired to work testing solvents on material during WWII, and working in Hahnes and Bambergers where she worked in the gift-wrapping and the Jr. Miss departments, respectfully. In the Jr. Miss department she spoke happily about the salesgirls being given the same new arrival to wear so that customers could see what it looked like in various sizes.
Dorothy served the Lord in many ways, spanning all different age groups – from young children to senior citizens. This includes teaching Sunday School (starting at Calvary Swedish Methodist Church), forming and leading a JR choir (and sewing their robes), and youth group counselor and leader. Together with her husband, Tom, they led the “Lunch Bunch 55-Plus” senior group at Clark Christian and Missionary Alliance Church for 21 years providing Bible study, encouragement and fellowship for those that needed it. They also led the group on over 100 day trips. Once attending Stonecrest Community Church they were members of the “Closer to Glory” senior group. Dorothy also served on the board of the Newark Evangelistic Society, and was a Brownie/Girl Scout leader.
Dorothy loved music (listening and playing), she played the clarinet and loved being part of the Kearny High School marching band, painting, crafts, watching TBN (700 Club, Michael Youssef, David Jeremiah, The Gaither Gospel Hour) and keeping up with what was going on in the world. She was great at that! She was very knowledgeable and informed. Dorothy loved Jesus. She is now in Heaven with Him and all those who have gone before who put their trust in Him. Predeceased by her loving husband, Thomas, of 56 years, sisters (and brothers-in-laws) Evelyn (Herb) Berggren, Mae (Robert) Young, and sister-inlaw Charlotte (John) Cheney, and great-nephew Joel Knapp.
Dorothy will be missed beyond words by her caring and devoted daughters, Elaine Hannan of Philadelphia, PA., and Cathy Jean Hannan of Westfield, N.J; loving nieces and nephews, Janet Harms, Robert Young, Lynn (Tom) D’Esmond, David (Nancy)Young, niece and Goddaughter Tracy (Nick) Reichard, and many great nieces and nephews, cousins and friends.
A viewing was held Tuesday March 10th at 11 a.m. at Armitage and Wiggins, 596 Belgrove Drive, Kearny NJ with burial following at Arlington Cemetery, Kearny.
A Celebration of Life Service honoring Dorothy was held Saturday, April 11th at 11 a.m. at Stonecrest Community Church, 11 Technology Drive N, Warren, NJ. Family and friends gathered beforehand to visit from 9 a.m.-11 a.m. People were invited to wear joyful colors to celebrate her life with us, as Dorothy would have loved that!
Condolences can be left for the family on the funeral home website.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Memory of Dorothy E. Hannan to: Stonecrest Community Church (mail check to 11 Technology Drive N, Warren, NJ. 07059 Attn: Assistant Treasurer) or to Leading the Way-Navigators Ministry (mail check to: Leading the Way, P.O. Box 20100,Atlanta, Georgia 20235, or call 1-800-538-7677, specify Navigators Ministry)
