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Ethel Erickson of Madison passed away March 28, after a short stay at Gladeview Healthcare in Old Saybrook. Also affectionately known as “Cutie Dolanski,” she was 94 when she died with family at her side. Always a country girl at heart, she was born in Killingworth to Francis and Mary Dolanski, previously of Warsaw, Poland, and Brooklyn, New York.

She graduated from Daniel Hand High School, where she had the distinction of being nominated Queen of the May and, as a junior, was chosen to lead the senior class graduation processional, an honor of which she was extremely proud. A generous pen pal, she wrote cheering notes to friends and family throughout the years. She loved poetry, music and dancing.

Among her fondest memories was winning a towering “congeniality” trophy, while a student with the Gunnar Johnson Select School of Dance. She lived life with gusto and enjoyed an abundance of close friendships. Many lucky enough to know her were captivated by her contagious energy, charisma and humor. A devoted and selfless parent, she especially enjoyed her teenagers. She was a giving friend; a caring, honest mentor; and was quick to advise and encourage.

She is survived by and will be dearly missed by daughter Marylin Eastwood and her wife Katherine Gyllensvard of Watertown, Massachusetts and sons Alan Hurlburt and his wife Patricia Hurlburt of Madison and Scott Hurlburt and his wife Carrieanne Hurlburt of Orange. She was grandmother to Elizabeth Eastwood of Spencer, Massachusetts, David Hurlburt of Madison, Caroline Hurlburt of Albany, New York, and Julia and Alexandra Hurlburt of Orange. She was predeceased by husbands LeRoy Hurlburt and Lars Erickson, her parents, six sisters, three brothers, and a number of much-loved nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at a later date, followed by a burial service at Hammonasset Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Madison Ambulance Association.