Jean Claire McKay Ford Dolan, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and friend passed away peacefully on May 5, 2026, in Indian Land, South Carolina, at the age of 92. A woman of grace, humility, faith, and enduring kindness, Jean lived a life centered on family and friendship.

Born October 15, 1933, in Wytopitlock, Maine to Burleigh and Doris (Mowbray) McKay, Jean was raised in Bath, Maine with her adored sister Callie (McKay) Witham, as children of the Depression and World War II. Growing up in this era taught Jean lifelong values of family, humility, resilience and gratitude.

Jean was the first generation in her family to attend college, graduating from Gorham (Maine) State Teachers’ College in 1956. In 1958, she married W. Allen “Mike” Ford, also of Bath, and the couple moved to Simsbury, Connecticut, where Jean taught school. Jean and Mike had two sons, Timothy Allen and Thomas Lynn.

The couple returned to Maine and settled in York where, in 1968, Jean continued her teaching career at Eliot Elementary School. Mike built a successful business in nearby Portsmouth, New Hampshire and together they lived a quiet, family-centered life. Those years were filled with work, school, and youth sports, including countless days with Jean bundled under a blanket at a local hockey rink. Through it all, Jean exhibited warmth and support to all those around her.

In May 1980, Jean’s life changed forever when Mike died unexpectedly. Though devastated, Jean faced tragedy with the courage and strength that defined her character. She moved forward with hope and optimism, remaining a steady and loving presence for her sons and all who depended upon her.

In 1984, Jean married Michael Dolan, and her family circle was widened to include Virginia (who predeceased her), Fred, Michael Jr., Beth and Mary, and eventually their growing families. Jean embraced her new family with affection and warmth. She had a remarkable gift for making people feel welcomed, valued, and loved. Whether she had known someone for decades or just met them, Jean included everyone with kindness and acceptance. In April 2003, Michael passed following a multi-year battle with Alzheimer’s.

Throughout her life, Jean built lasting bonds. She faithfully corresponded with college friends for decades. Following the passing of both her husbands, Jean maintained special friendships and embraced their respective families as if they were her own. As her grandchildren grew, Jean welcomed their spouses into her ever expanding family.

Jean was actively involved at First Parish Congregational Church in York, where her strong faith and servant’s heart found expression in volunteering and fellowship. York was home to Jean for more than fifty years before she moved to South Carolina during Covid to be closer to family. Jean may have left Maine, but Maine never left her.

Jean always exhibited a positive attitude, even in the darkest of times. She carried herself with grace and never complained. Her life was not marked by grand gestures, but by countless small acts of love – a listening ear, meals shared, encouragement offered, thoughtful notes written, conversations remembered, and lives quietly uplifted. To know her was to feel seen, heard, and appreciated.

Jean is survived by sons Tim Ford and his wife Joellen of Dallas, Texas, Tom Ford and his wife Lorrie of Indian Land, South Carolina; grandchildren Jessica Metzger, Lauren Flahie, Leslie Ford, and Elizabeth Ford; and great-grandchildren Owen and Emmett Metzger. Jean’s granddaughter Kelsie Marie Ford predeceased her. Jean also leaves behind deep ties forged with the extended Dolan family built over more than forty years, and strong bonds with extended family members and dear friends whose lives were enriched by knowing her.

Though deeply missed, Jean’s gentle strength, bright spirit, and enduring love remain a lasting reminder of the goodness one person can bring into the world. She will be forever cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know her. To Jean, life was always “wundaful.”

To celebrate Jean’s life, the family will hold a service at a future date at the First Parish Congregational Church in York, Maine.