Obituary of Daria M. Doll
With full hearts and deep sadness, we announce the passing of Daria M. Doll (née Strafach), 78, of Columbia, CT on December 3. 2025. A devoted mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, Daria’s life was defined by love— steadfast, generous, and unwavering.
Born on July 8, 1947, in Westerly, RI to Tanya (Ziruk) and James Strafach, Daria grew up surrounded by strong family bonds that shaped her nurturing spirit. She was predeceased by her husband and soulmate, Andrew Doll, with whom she shared a remarkable 43-year marriage. Their love story began, fittingly, with a knock on the wrong door—an accident that became destiny. Together, they built a life rich in devotion, humor, and unwavering partnership.
Daria is survived by her two beloved children, Eva Doll (Jonathan Weinbaum) and Walter Doll (Lauren), who were the center of her world. Her grandchildren Andrew Doll-Wright, James Weinbaum and Violet Doll, were her heart’s greatest joy. Daria also leaves her cherished sisters, Gina Epstein and Tanya Strafach, as well as many nieces, nephews and in-laws whom she held dear.
Daria dedicated her life to caring for children. As a mother, her nurturing spirit was unmatched. Professionally, she spent many years enriching the lives of countless young people through her work in childcare programs at the YMCA of Vernon, CT, eventually directing the beloved baby room there. After retiring from the Y, she continued her calling at St. James School in Manchester where she flourished as a classroom aide. Her patience, warmth, and humor endeared her to students, colleagues, and parents alike.
Her second retirement was her happiest—stepping fully into her most treasured role: Babu. Her devotion to her grandchildren was boundless; they were the lights of her life.
Daria delighted in the sweet things of life—both literally and figuratively. She loved sugary treats, shoes, sparkly clothes and jewelry, and a good shopping trip. She was captivated by the beauty of Florida, collecting Highwaymen paintings to bring Florida into her Connecticut home. She fulfilled a lifelong dream when she witnessed a space shuttle launch there on her 64th birthday—a moment she spoke of with awe forever after. Another of her life’s great joys was seeing and meeting her favorite band, Il Volo, the young Italian three tenors.
To know Daria was to feel uplifted. She offered comfort with gentleness, strength with steadiness, and joy with her spirited presence. Her legacy lives on in the children she raised, the grandchildren she adored, the students she guided, and the countless people whose lives she brightened simply by being herself.
She is profoundly missed and forever cherished. May her memory be an eternal blessing to all who love her.
Viewing hours will be from 1:00-2:00 pm on Saturday, December 13th at Mulryan Funeral Home, 725 Hebron Avenue in Glastonbury with services at 2pm in the funeral home. Donations can be made in Daria’s memory to the Connecticut Children’s Foundation. For online condolences please visit www.mulryanfh.com