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DOLAN, MERRILLEE ANN Age 73, resident of Albuquerque, passed away unexpectedly on November 5, 2014. She was preceded in death by her beloved and generous grandmother, Editha Berry; and parents Cheryl and John Dolan. She is survived by her brothers Jonny and Eric Dolan; sister Editha Dolan and best friend of 68 years, Linda Hollar. Merrillee received B.A. in Spanish and Botany and an M.A. in Political Science from the University of New Mexico. She worked at the N.M. Human Rights Commission as an investigator, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission as an investigator/conciliator, and as an equal employment opportunity investigator for LANL. She was the first director of the Women's Resource Center in Durango, Co. Most recently, she was a technical writer for Sandia Labs contractors. With her knowledge and love of local botany, she wrote, illustrated and published, "Favorite Flowers of the Cumbres and Toltec: A Railroad Sketchbook". Merrillee also wrote articles for New Mexico Magazine and other publications. An avid feminist, civil rights and justice advocate, she was an early member of the Albuquerque Chapter of the National Organization for Women. She became a national NOW board member and chaired the Women in Poverty task force. Merrillee participated in many causes and demonstrations, including the Free Wen Ho Lee Movement. Stray cats knew Merrillee's house as a crash pad and she welcomed them all. She was very actice in caring for cats, domestic and feral. Merrillee loved Hispanic and southwestern culture and, particularly, Flamenco. She studied and danced it for many years. As a UNM student she was a participant in the International Club. Throughout her life she continued to develop friendships with people from all over the world. Merrillee was an inspiration and a friend to so many. We will miss her. Memorial plans to be announced. For information call Mary 247-9303 or Diane 266-9093. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Los Jardines Institute, 803 La Vega Dr sW, Albuquerque, NM 87105; NM Animal Friends, Attn: Street Cat Companions, PO box 40189, Albuquerque, NM 87196; National Organization for Women, PO Box 1848, Merrifield, VA 22116-1848.
        Published on: Sun November 23, 2014