Estelle Lane

Estelle "Dolly" Lane, 85, of North Syracuse, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family, after a courageous battle with Parkinson's and Dementia.

The daughter of Venette and Fritz Dortzback, Dolly grew up on Syracuse's north side, attending North High and Central Tech. She met a handsome bread salesman, who delivered to the family house on Delong Avenue and won her heart, and the Dolly & Ken Lane story began. They moved to North Syracuse, where they raised three kids and hosted many a dance party in the basement. Dolly had a very distinguished career as an LPN, where "Laney" was best known for her time in the Labor & Delivery unit at Crouse Hospital, which spanned over 30 years. She was a little ahead of her time – getting involved in athletics long before there were formal programs for girls in school. She continued that sporting spirit through her life, and loved nothing more than walking, running or rollerblading at one of her favorite spots – Onondaga Lake Park. Unless of course she was skiing in Killington or Labrador, or bowling or golfing with her friends in a league, or playing cards with her girlfriends, or arranging swimming lessons for all her grandkids in their pool. Dolly was always active, and loved to see her family having fun in some type of activity. Her house was the summer hang-out for family and friends alike, where there was an ever-changing roster of her beloved pets, including cats, ferrets and dogs.

Dolly ended her nursing career when she chose to leave work and care for her husband Ken during his struggle with cancer. Ever the nurse, Dolly made sure Ken was able to stay at home, and gave him the best possible care we could have hoped for. After Ken passed, Dolly found a new passion – volunteering at Helping Hounds with the rescue dogs. She loved them up, and of course had to bring a few of them home to live with her.
Dolly was forever young, and was always up for an adventure. She was instrumental in organizing many ski trips, family vacations, and other outings. She loved to have her family and friends around, having fun, and possibly having a glass of wine. She and her crew of girlfriends – including Lois Bolton, Joan Tourot, Barb Reed, Marilyn Warobick and Mary Jane Altman – were probably all very lucky that cell phones with cameras did not exist when they were running around. Enough said there. And her lifelong friend Sister Mary Obrist would probably agree.
Dolly was the ultimate package: a great wife, mother, "Gram", great-grandmother, and friend. Our memories are filled with fantastic trips, outings, days at the pool, or just sharing a laugh in her kitchen or the gazebo … possibly with a glass of wine. She will constantly be missed, but never forgotten.

Surviving are her children: daughters Linda (Peter) Thorp and Laurie (Brian) Hurley, son Thomas (Antonietta) Lane, her 7 grandkids, Mike, Wendy, Casey, Leigha, Alanna, Adam and Gabriella and 3 great grandchildren, and her pets Little Man, Honey, Rusty, Lil and Matt.

There will be no calling hours. Services are private.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Dolly's memory to Helping Hounds Dog Rescue of Dewitt on Kinne Road, and Hospice of CNY on 7th North Street.

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