Obituary for Rita C. " Dolly" Strout (Scanlan)
Rita C. “Dolly” Strout (Scanlan), 79, passed away peacefully at her home in Waltham on September 7, 2022, surrounded by her loving family after battling cancer.
Dolly was born to the late Rita and Richard Scanlan on Saturday, April 3, 1943, in Boston.
Growing up in Brighton the eldest of seven children, Rita graduated from St. Columbkille’s High School and spent her career in Human Resources at Raytheon and Academic Services at Bentley University.
A resident of Waltham since 1965, Dolly was deeply involved in the community as a frequent participant
in various activities at the senior center and as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. She left a lasting
impression on everyone she met and couldn’t seem to leave the house without running into an old
friend or making a new one.
Dolly was known for being an avid reader, a connoisseur of crossword puzzles, a proud cat mom, and
Tom Brady’s biggest fan. On football Sundays, she could be found cheering on her team and correcting
the officials during Patriots games.
Predeceased by her beloved brother Paul Scanlan.
Rita is survived by her children Wayne Strout of Hopkinton, MA, and Jane Strout of Boston, MA;
grandchildren Amanda Strout of Somerville, MA; Justin Strout of Denver, CO; Erik Strout of Seattle, WA;
siblings Richard Scanlan (Ann) of Towson, MD; Gerard Scanlan (Holiday, FL); Maryanne Breen (Bob) of
The Villages, FL; Joan Scanlan of Holbrook, MA; and Jimmy Scanlan (Anne) of Walpole, MA. She is also
survived by many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.
Dolly was adamant that she wanted to be celebrated, not mourned, by those who knew and loved her.
In that spirit, she requested that at her memorial, her loved ones wear her favorite color, purple and
that her favorite music be played. Her infectious and sassy personality, including her devotion to Elvis,
will be celebrated in The Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco and Sons Memorial Chapels located, 773 Moody Street Waltham, MA. on October 8, 2022. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. Followed by a service where family and friends will be encouraged to share some of their favorite memories of Dolly. Parking Attendants will be on duty.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the charities Dolly supported:
Buddy Dog Humane Society
Meals on Wheels
Boys Town
Brasco and Sons Memorial Chapels
"Creating Meaningful Memories"
Dolly was born to the late Rita and Richard Scanlan on Saturday, April 3, 1943, in Boston.
Growing up in Brighton the eldest of seven children, Rita graduated from St. Columbkille’s High School and spent her career in Human Resources at Raytheon and Academic Services at Bentley University.
A resident of Waltham since 1965, Dolly was deeply involved in the community as a frequent participant
in various activities at the senior center and as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels. She left a lasting
impression on everyone she met and couldn’t seem to leave the house without running into an old
friend or making a new one.
Dolly was known for being an avid reader, a connoisseur of crossword puzzles, a proud cat mom, and
Tom Brady’s biggest fan. On football Sundays, she could be found cheering on her team and correcting
the officials during Patriots games.
Predeceased by her beloved brother Paul Scanlan.
Rita is survived by her children Wayne Strout of Hopkinton, MA, and Jane Strout of Boston, MA;
grandchildren Amanda Strout of Somerville, MA; Justin Strout of Denver, CO; Erik Strout of Seattle, WA;
siblings Richard Scanlan (Ann) of Towson, MD; Gerard Scanlan (Holiday, FL); Maryanne Breen (Bob) of
The Villages, FL; Joan Scanlan of Holbrook, MA; and Jimmy Scanlan (Anne) of Walpole, MA. She is also
survived by many nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends.
Dolly was adamant that she wanted to be celebrated, not mourned, by those who knew and loved her.
In that spirit, she requested that at her memorial, her loved ones wear her favorite color, purple and
that her favorite music be played. Her infectious and sassy personality, including her devotion to Elvis,
will be celebrated in The Mary Catherine Chapel of Brasco and Sons Memorial Chapels located, 773 Moody Street Waltham, MA. on October 8, 2022. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 6:00 pm. Followed by a service where family and friends will be encouraged to share some of their favorite memories of Dolly. Parking Attendants will be on duty.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the charities Dolly supported:
Buddy Dog Humane Society
Meals on Wheels
Boys Town
Brasco and Sons Memorial Chapels
"Creating Meaningful Memories"