Ever met someone whose life was a symphony of simple joys and deep connections? Dollie E. Ash, a beloved Falmouth resident, touched countless lives with her love for books, classical music, and family. From Tanglewood trips to Cape Cod summers, her story is one of enduring warmth and an incredible family legacy. What do you think makes a life truly well-lived?

The community mourns the peaceful passing of Dollie E. Ash, a beloved longtime resident, who departed on Monday, August 11, 2025, in Falmouth, Maine. Known for her vibrant spirit and unwavering kindness, Dollie left an indelible mark on all who had the pleasure of knowing her, embodying a life rich with diverse passions and profound connections. Her absence will be deeply felt, but her memory will continue to resonate through the lives she touched.

Dollie possessed an insatiable curiosity and a profound love for literature, often found immersed in the pages of a good book. Her enthusiasm extended to exploring culinary delights, making dining out a cherished pastime, and she was a familiar face at local library book sales, always eager to discover new literary treasures. These simple pleasures were central to her daily rhythm and brought her immense joy throughout her years in Falmouth, Maine.

A true connoisseur of the arts, Dollie E. Ash harbored a particular affinity for classical music, an interest that enriched her life significantly. This passion frequently led her to the esteemed grounds of Tanglewood, where she shared countless memorable trips with her dear friends, Tim and Talu Robertson. These musical excursions were not merely events but vital experiences that nurtured her soul and strengthened her bonds of friendship.

Summers held a special significance for Dollie, as they were traditionally spent surrounded by her extended family and a wide circle of friends on the picturesque shores of Cape Cod. These annual gatherings were a testament to her deep-seated love for family and community, creating a tapestry of joyful memories filled with laughter, shared stories, and the warmth of kinship. The essence of Cape Cod summers became synonymous with Dollie’s lively presence.

Affectionately known to many as “The Dollie Mama,” this endearing nickname encapsulated her nurturing spirit and her central role within her family and social circles. It reflected her warmth, wisdom, and the loving guidance she consistently offered, solidifying her place as a beloved matriarch and a source of comfort and strength for those around her, especially her children and grandchildren.

Dollie’s life journey was marked by both joy and loss. She was predeceased by her beloved husbands, Philip M. Dusini, who passed away in 1975, and Homer L. Ash, who departed in 2000. Her family circle also experienced the loss of her sisters, Lillian Leonard, along with her husband Warren, and Jeannette Sampsell, with her husband Ed, whose memories remained cherished parts of Dollie’s personal history.

Her enduring legacy continues through her devoted children: Paul Dusini and his wife Karen; Diane Dusini; David Ash and his wife Laura; and Stephen Ash and his wife Gabi. Additionally, she is survived by her loving brother, Mark Adams and his wife Linda, illustrating the profound and lasting connections she maintained throughout her life. The support of her family was a constant source of strength.

The tapestry of her family further includes her nephews, Dean Sampsell and his wife Amy, and Brent Adams and his wife Brandi; her niece, Laurie Berenotto and her husband Tony; her cherished grandchildren, Benjamin Ash, Michal Ricca and her husband Brian, and Gino Gendron and his wife Jenn. Dollie also delighted in her great-grandchildren, Patrick, Brendan, Wesley, and Luca, ensuring that her life celebration extends through generations. Her lifelong friend, Paul Mazurik, also remains to honor her memory, underscoring the depth of her personal connections.