Susan McLaughlin Dolan

Susan McLaughlin Dolan passed peacefully at home, surrounded by her family and visited by countless friends, on Wednesday, March 25, 2026.

Born on September 22, 1951, in Nashua, New Hampshire, Susan was the daughter of Frank and Eleanor McLaughlin and the beloved sister of William McLaughlin.

Susan is survived by her devoted husband, Vincent Dolan; her children, Vincent Paul Dolan Jr. and his wife Kristin Dolan of Tampa, FL, Joseph James Dolan of Sanborton NH, and Patrick William Dolan and his husband Carlos Dolan of Wells, ME. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Kathryn Sue Dolan, William Peyton Dolan, and Maison Joey Dolan, who brought her immeasurable joy.

After graduating from Nashua High School, Susan earned her degree from the University of New Hampshire, a milestone that marked the beginning of her lifelong commitment to serving others through education. She instilled in her family the values of compassion, generosity, and standing up for those who might otherwise be overlooked.

She began her teaching career immediately after graduation, including time in parochial schools and later teaching deaf students at Northern Essex Community College, before spending many years in the Lawrence Public School system as an elementary school teacher. There, she helped countless students build strong foundations in reading and writing and was honored as Teacher of the Year in recognition of her impact. Susan was especially devoted to supporting children who needed encouragement and someone to believe in them–and for many of her students, she was exactly that person.

As a mother, Susan’s love and dedication knew no limits. When her son Joseph was born deaf, she committed herself to learning sign language and became an advocate and community builder for families with deaf children. She was active in the organization Mothers of the Deaf and generously shared her knowledge by teaching sign language classes to friends, family, and others in the community.

Susan found great happiness near the water, especially at Lake Winnipesaukee and at Moody Beach in Maine. Moody Beach became a cherished summer home where she spent many of the happiest moments of her life surrounded by family and friends.

Known for her quick wit and wonderful sense of humor, Susan loved sharing stories from her life–whether from her childhood in Nashua, her days at the University of New Hampshire, or the many friendships she formed throughout her life. Sue was often the life of the party, and her family encourages everyone who knew her to remember the laughter and the good times. In that spirit, they know she will always be right there with them.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 31 from 6 to 8 PM at the FARWELL FUNERAL HOME, 18 Lock Street, Nashua, NH 03064-2218. A funeral service will be held at St. Patrick’s Church, located at 29 Spring St, Nashua, NH 03060, on Wednesday, April 1, at 9:30 AM.

Friends are invited to attend. To leave an online message of condolence, please visit www.farwellfuneralservice.com.