ABOUT DOLORES
A brief and beautiful life
Dolores Margaret Mary Finegan was born on August 3, 2026, at 2:56 in the morning, weighing 6 pounds, 11 ounces. She was a beloved daughter, a precious little sister, and an incredible gift. Below is a brief overview of her story. For a more detailed account, we invite you to read our journal entries.
Before she was born, Dolores was diagnosed with Hypoplastic Left Heart Syndrome. This means that the left side of her heart did not develop fully and would not be able to function as a normal heart. This rare diagnosis does have a path forward that has seen children go on to live long lives. However, the path is hard and requires 3 open-heart surgeries in the first year or two of life. It requires a very strong set of lungs for the surgeries to be successful and generally a long recovery road in the hospital. Dolores' lungs were unfortunately damaged and led the doctors to believe she might not survive the first day of birth. Pat and Jen chose to have hope in a path forward and receive her with open hearts—to cherish every moment, to care for her tenderly, and to entrust her life to God.
Dolores was born at 2:56 am on August 3, 2026 via natural birth, baptized by Patrick, and shortly after went into a procedure that allowed her to attempt to qualify for the first surgery. During her twenty-three days, she was surrounded by her parents, siblings, grandparents, extended family, friends, nurses, doctors, and a community joined in prayer.
Dolores went peacefully into Jesus’s embrace on August 26, 2026, held in her parent's arms. Her life was short, but powerful. Her family and all those who walked the journey with her continues to carry her with them through grief, in gratitude, in faith, and in love. She has taught us so much and is a mighty prayer warrior for us now.
Choosing Her Name
Dolores Margaret Mary’s name was chosen prayerfully in a season of uncertainty, surrender, and hope. Her name honors Our Lady of Sorrows and the Sacred Heart of Jesus while also carrying the names of strong women in our family who came before her. It holds a legacy of love, faith, compassion, and trust in God.
Though her life was far shorter than we had hoped, Dolores lived fully into the meaning of her name. From the beginning, her heart was entrusted to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and the Immaculate Heart of Mary, and we continue to pray that her life reveals the hearts of many and draws them closer to God.
To read the full story of how Dolores received her name, click here.