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1940
Molly
2026
Molly A. Gaffney
Feb 13, 1940 — Sep 12, 2026
Wauwatosa
Molly Ann (Koelsch) Gaffney peacefully passed away on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at her home in
Wauwatosa. Molly was born in Milwaukee on February 13, 1940 to the late Paul and Martha Koelsch.
She is preceded in death by her husband William, siblings Ruth Ashworth, Jane Solomon, Howard Drue
McCarty, Jerry Koelsch. She is survived by her two daughters Susan (Joe) O’Connell and Dawn Anderson:
Six grandchildren Ben (Danielle) Anderson, Kate (Jordan) Hohl, Trevor O’Connell and Kristi O’Connell: Five
Great grandchildren, Scarlett, August, and Oaklee Anderson, Cal and Josie Hohl. She will also be missed
by her favorite dancing partner, her sister-in-law, Arlyne Koelsch. She was precious to her many dearly
beloved nieces and nephews from the Ashworth, Solomon, McCarty, Koelsch and Miller families, along
with many other special family and friends.
Molly graduated from Custer High School and Alverno College and worked several jobs in the education
environment. She enjoyed celebrating any occasion with her family and friends. If there wasn’t an
occasion to celebrate, she would create one. She was the Grand Marshall of the 4th of July parades at
her cottage in northern Wisconsin for the last 50 years. She enjoyed listening to the WXPR Rhinelander
Saturday Morning Polka party, playing Sheepshead, cooking, needlepointing and watching Chicago Fire
and Hallmark Christmas movies. She was famous for her meatloaf.
She was a member of St. Monica Parish, serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and
Renew Group leader. She served at St. Michael’s Hospital bringing Holy Communion, compassion and
prayers to the patients.
The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice for their loving care and support over the last months
of Molly’s life. Molly built strong relationships with many of her care providers.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating in memory of Molly to St. Monica’s Parish, 5681 N. Santa
Monica Blvd. Whitefish Bay, WI 53217 or Heartland Hospice, 10200 W. Innovation Drive Suite #400
Milwaukee, WI 53226
Wauwatosa. Molly was born in Milwaukee on February 13, 1940 to the late Paul and Martha Koelsch.
She is preceded in death by her husband William, siblings Ruth Ashworth, Jane Solomon, Howard Drue
McCarty, Jerry Koelsch. She is survived by her two daughters Susan (Joe) O’Connell and Dawn Anderson:
Six grandchildren Ben (Danielle) Anderson, Kate (Jordan) Hohl, Trevor O’Connell and Kristi O’Connell: Five
Great grandchildren, Scarlett, August, and Oaklee Anderson, Cal and Josie Hohl. She will also be missed
by her favorite dancing partner, her sister-in-law, Arlyne Koelsch. She was precious to her many dearly
beloved nieces and nephews from the Ashworth, Solomon, McCarty, Koelsch and Miller families, along
with many other special family and friends.
Molly graduated from Custer High School and Alverno College and worked several jobs in the education
environment. She enjoyed celebrating any occasion with her family and friends. If there wasn’t an
occasion to celebrate, she would create one. She was the Grand Marshall of the 4th of July parades at
her cottage in northern Wisconsin for the last 50 years. She enjoyed listening to the WXPR Rhinelander
Saturday Morning Polka party, playing Sheepshead, cooking, needlepointing and watching Chicago Fire
and Hallmark Christmas movies. She was famous for her meatloaf.
She was a member of St. Monica Parish, serving as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion, and
Renew Group leader. She served at St. Michael’s Hospital bringing Holy Communion, compassion and
prayers to the patients.
The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice for their loving care and support over the last months
of Molly’s life. Molly built strong relationships with many of her care providers.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating in memory of Molly to St. Monica’s Parish, 5681 N. Santa
Monica Blvd. Whitefish Bay, WI 53217 or Heartland Hospice, 10200 W. Innovation Drive Suite #400
Milwaukee, WI 53226
To send flowers or plant a memorial tree in memory, please visit our flower store.
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