Doris Helen Nadolny – Milwaukee, Born May 22, 1928 – Died June 22, 2021

Doris passed to eternal life on June 22nd at Seasons Hospice, Lutheran Home in Wauwatosa with many of her family present. She was preceded in death by her devoted husband Anthony Nadolny, her parents Ignacy and Lillian Rajski, granddaughter Alison Frank, brother Jack Rajski and sister Carol Meyer.

She is survived by 8 children- Linda (Jack) Behm, Gary (Debbie) Nadolny, Greg (Kristine) Nadolny, Susan (Chris) Terski, David (Sherry Crotteau) Nadolny, Patrice, Mary (Steve) Duranso, Pamela (Richard) Poach, 18 grandchildren- Megan, Jared, Daniel, Nicholas, Matthew, Christopher, Jennifer, Joshua, Joseph, Jacob, Samuel, Thomas, Ryan, Amanda, Lauren, RJ, Colson, Kendall and 18 great grandchildren- Jesselyn, Emma Kate, Madelyn, Lilly, Kasen, Isabelle, Paxton, Spencer, Henry, Jack, Peyton, Chase, Avery, Holland, Baker, London, Lincoln and Emily. Also survived by nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

Doris was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, musician, teacher, and friend. Born 6 weeks early, weighing under 4 #, after her parents had a rollover accident in their Model T Ford the evening before. She was in an incubator for several weeks. In those days many babies became blind and she always felt lucky to have survived and lived the life she did. She was strong and a fighter from the start. Mom loved baseball as a young girl and her mother would warn her about hurting her hands as she had been playing the violin since age 4. Her father brought home her first violin hidden under his coat and told her he found her the best violin teacher around, her mother. Grandma Lillie was a violin teacher and played professionally in the Pearl Theater before she was married. By age 9 Mom was playing in her school orchestra, always in the first violin section. When she was 13 she auditioned for the Milwaukee Catholic Symphony Orchestra, was accepted and played with the orchestra for over 50 years, her last position as Concertmaster. The orchestra is now The Menomonee Falls Symphony. Always on the board and involved, her love of fostering young musicians lead her to take charge of the Young Artist Auditions. She was always astonished by how accomplished many of these musicians were and proud she could play a small part in their stories. She inspired a love of music in her children, each playing one or more instruments at various times in their lives.

Mom taught violin in the Milwaukee Public Schools for many years. Her real passion for teaching began when she started summer training with The Suzuki Institute in Stevens Point in the 70's, attending workshops in Chicago and Boston and then began teaching Suzuki Violin. Through the years our mother shared her passion by training hundreds of young musicians. She enjoyed strolling with her violin in restaurant dining rooms, private parties and for special occasions including engagements, weddings and funerals, all while raising her ever growing family. She especially loved playing big band music with the Grant Krueger Orchestra, playing with the Festival City Symphony, Music Under the Stars and substituting with the Milwaukee Symphony. One of the most cherished memories for her family and close friends is the call we would get on our birthdays. She would say "hold on" and then we'd hear Happy Birthday played by her delicate and talented hands. Mom had shoulder surgery for a torn rotator cuff in her mid-80's and played less and less, finally having to stop after age 90. The love for her instrument and the happiness she could bring to people with her beautiful music was very difficult to let go of. Her strong Catholic faith carried her through every day of her life.

That same faith helped her bear the loss of our father and grandmother within 6 months of each other as well as the loss of her granddaughter. We are grateful to have had such a faithful, loving, strong and talented mother. We will miss her dearly and hold countless cherished memories in all of our hearts.

Funeral Services will be held July 16th at:

Blessed Sacrament Church
3100 S. 41st Street
Milwaukee, WI 53215
Visitation: 9:30AM – 11:30AM
Mass: 11:30AM

Interment to be held following the Mass at:
Mount Olivet Cemetery
Ascension Chapel
3801 W. Morgan Avenue
Milwaukee, WI 53221


In lieu of flowers donations to the Milwaukee Youth Symphony Orchestra are greatly appreciated.
myso.org