Mary Ann "Dolly" Irlander

Although Mary Ann “Dolly” Irlander was 91, she was called suddenly to her eternal rest on September 25, 2026, leaving an irreplaceable loss in the hearts of her family. Known for her strong, independent spirit, Dolly was proud to still live on her own at her home in Wentzville, Missouri. 

Dolly, also known as Granny, is survived by her daughters: Wendy Koclanes (Jim) and Diane McGrane; her grandchildren: Katie Leighton (Chris), Cullen McGrane (Laurel), Jake Nelson (Alicia), Lorelei Nelson, Tina Bauer (Ryan), Jodie Nelson (Richard), and Carly Vandas (Bryce); her step-grandchildren; Colleen Tobin, Becky Marbarger (Jay); her great-grandchildren: Riley, Sophie, Charlotte, Dominic, Loretta, Max, Izzy, Jane, Evangeline, and Zack; her step-great-grandchildren: Ethan, Hailey, Kaden, Claire, Kristina, Cathleen, Bianca, and Sean. Dolly is also survived her Irlander family; her step-children: Debbie Wiersbicki (Gary), Karen Osborne (Mark), Jim Irlander (Shelly), and Mike Irlander (Tina); her step-grandchildren: Nathan, Jennifer, Melissa, Kelly, Eric, Brian, Joseph, Matthew, and John; her step-great-grandchildren.

 She is preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Loretta Hoffmann; her first husband, Clarence “Clary” Nelson; her step-daughter Linda Smothers; her son-in-law, Harry McGrane; her son and daughter-in-law, Ron and Debi Nelson; her second husband, Joseph “Joe” Irlander. 

Born in Chicago, Illinois, her parents were overjoyed to welcome their little girl into their lives and affectionately called her “Dolly.” Dolly met her husband, Clary, and they enjoyed life together in Chicago surrounded by many dear friends and family. Dolly grew especially close to her sister-in-law, Eileen Peebles, sharing a lifelong friendship reminiscent of Lucy and Ethel that brought endless laughter and fun. Clary’s career brought them to St. Louis, and Missouri became her home. The family enjoyed life together, taking trips to the Ozarks, Florida, and frequently returning to visit with family and friends in Chicago. As her children grew, Dolly opened her heart and home to care for children while their parents worked. That loving care later extended to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who Granny was still taking care of with Cullen several times a week. Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the joys of her life and her devotion to her family kept her vibrant.

After the death of their spouses, Dolly and Joe met and were married. Joe and his five children welcomed her into their home. Dolly helped raise the family and enjoyed watching their family expand with new generations. She and Joe loved traveling and cruising, gambling at the casinos, and seeing the sites. One of Dolly’s favorite places was Florida, especially Panama City Beach. 

Throughout her life, Dolly found happiness in simple pleasures: Junior Mints and Bullseyes, Diet Coke, watching reality TV (especially Survivor), shopping on QVC, keeping traditions like baking Easter bread and Christmas cookies, and spending time with family, she loved hosting Christmas Eve and sharing her Metaxa. Above all, her greatest joy was staying involved in the lives of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and hearing about all their achievements and adventures. 

We will always cherish her memory and remember the date she left us: September 25th, Dolly Day, “9 to 5.” We take comfort imagining her warm welcome into heaven, greeted with open arms by all the loving family and friends who have gone before her with a cheerful chorus of “Hello, Dolly, it’s so nice to have you back where you belong.” We will miss you, Mom-Granny-Dolly, until we see you again!