Barbara Dolan

May 6, 1932 -

Aug 17, 2026

Barbara Dolan passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, in Anchorage, Alaska, at the age of 94. She lived a remarkable life shaped by family, friendship, travel and a genuine care for others.

Born on May 6, 1932, in Manila, Philippines, Barbara was the daughter of Brigadier General Wentworth Goss and Elizabeth Goss. Growing up in a military family gave Barbara an early introduction to a life of travel and change—experiences that would continue throughout much of her life.

Barbara attended the University of Texas before joining her parents when her father was stationed at Furstenfeldbruck Air Base near Munich, Germany. That move would prove especially meaningful, as it was in Germany that Barbara met Thomas Dolan, an officer under her father's command in the U.S. Air Force.

Together, Barbara and Tom built a life filled with family, travel and adventure. They welcomed three daughters, Cathy, Carolyn and Susan, and raised their family while living in places that included Germany, Greece, and Japan. Tom's military and airline careers gave the family the opportunity to experience the world together and created a lifetime of memories.

Wherever the family lived, Barbara made a home. She devoted herself to her daughters and became involved in the communities around her. She was especially active with the Girl Scouts, serving as a troop leader in both Aurora, Colo., and Yokohama, Japan. Her involvement reflected the qualities that defined her throughout her life—kindness, dependability, generosity and a willingness to give her time to others.

In 1972, Tom's work with Japan Airlines brought the Dolan family from Yokohama to Anchorage. Barbara embraced her life in Alaska and became part of the Anchorage community, volunteering with various organizations throughout the years. She worked for approximately 10 years at Junior Towne, a children's store in Anchorage, where she enjoyed both her work and the people she came to know. She retired once her grandson Colt was born. Being his grandma was one of her greatest joys.

Barbara and Tom shared 54 years of marriage before his death in 2009.

Barbara is survived by her three daughters: Cathy Richter and husband Rick, Carolyn Dolan, and Susan Dolan. She was preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Thomas Dolan; and her only grandchild, Colt Richter.

Those who knew Barbara will remember her not simply for the many places she lived or the experiences she gathered along the way, but for the person she was. Many of her daughters' friends thought of her as a second mother and lovingly called her "Mom." She was a loving and gracious mother, a caring and reliable friend, and someone whose quiet kindness made a lasting impression.

Her family will remember her with love and gratitude, and her memory will live on in the many lives she touched.

In accordance with our mother's wishes, a private burial with the family will take place at Angelus Memorial Park.