Doris "Lee" Jollota

Doris “Lee” Jollota

BARRE - Doris “Lee” Jollota passed away very peacefully with family by her side on Monday, August 26, 2024.

Born on September 22, 1930, in Mexico, Maine she was the daughter of Joseph and Albena Waite. Doris attended St. Theresa Catholic school and graduated from Mexico High School in 1949.

After graduation she was employed by New England Furniture Company working in the office until she joined a band called “Duke and the Swingbillies”. With her parents’ permission she joined the band and moved to Burlington, Vermont to perform on WCAX Channel 3. Doris was with the band for six years and remained in Vermont after meeting and marring James Jollota who was employed as a State Trooper with the State of Vermont. They were married for 25 years.  Jim passed away in September of 1996.

Doris continued with her own band for several years eventually joining the National Life Insurance Company.  She retired in 1995 and became a volunteer at several nursing homes where she continued to entertain the residents and staff with her music for over 26 years. Doris remained very active and lived with her family, where she was the happiest, for over 23 years.

Survivors include her son Brian Jollota of East Montpelier, her daughter Karin Martin and her husband, Patrick of Marshfield and her granddaughters Kendra and Kylie Martin. Doris also leaves behind her longtime friends whom she loved Bob and Rosey Modica, Patrica Wescom and Shirley Labor.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her five brothers and sisters and their spouses.

There will be a celebration of life for Doris on Sunday, September 22, 2024, at her home in Marshfield, Vermont.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.