Dorothy "Dolly" Rowland Fisher

Dolly Fisher, truly beloved and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, died surrounded by love on Sunday, at age 71, after a long battle with cancer. Dolly was an incredibly talented, brave, energetic, joyful, humble, and loving person always helping others in their time of need, always there to listen and give sage advice, always steadfast, loyal, and supportive. Her selfless, loving nature made her perfect for her career as a teacher in early childhood education and as a reading specialist, and as the true center of her family. Artistic to the core, she was an accomplished pianist, painter, decorator, knitter, cook, and even landscape artist with her beautiful yards and flower gardens. She loved things to be beautiful and inspired everyone with her artistic endeavors and ambitious "projects".

Dolly was born Dorothy Joyce Rowland in Fargo, ND, was raised mostly by her grandmother, Margaret Sewall Hector, and her mother, Dorothy Rowland Hector. She left Fargo for most of high school and then her undergraduate and graduate degrees, but came back from Chicago with her husband in 1982 to raise their 4 children in a house just one block from where she grew up. She had a special connection to her lake and family cottage in Minnesota since childhood and loved everything about being there. She enjoyed being on, in, or looking at the water and would go in even if weeds, snails, or lake itch threatened. She loved dogs and had a decided weakness for her little dog Watson the Dachshund. They were the best of friends and avid cuddlers.

Known as Nanna to her granddaughters, Dolly relished the role and was elated to spend every second she could with them. She was close with all of her children, including her two step-kids, who were no less beloved daughters to her. She was a wonderful wife to her husband of 42 years, a true friend to all, and will be missed beyond measure. Dolly's life was well-lived and she made a positive difference in all the lives she touched along the way. All who knew her well will miss her deeply and keep her forever in their hearts.

She is survived by her husband Dennis, children Megan, Kevin, Seana, and Erin Fisher, two granddaughters, and her aunt, Caroline (Callie) Dady, of Fargo.

(In lieu of flowers, well-wishers are invited to make donations in her name to the American Cancer Society, thank you. www.cancer.org )