June 29, 1930 – June 12, 2024
Verna Corinne Adamson was born in Salt Lake City’s LDS Hospital, but spent her childhood growing up in Mercur, Utah, a mining town where her mother, Erna, singlehandedly ran a boarding house. All the miners adored “Little Dolly.” The name described her perfectly and she adopted it legally as an adult.
The family later moved to Salt Lake, where Dolly attended East High School.
In 1952, she married Samuel E Makoff Jr of Makoff, a women’s better apparel store in downtown SLC. She balanced motherhood with civic duties such as the Junior League. When Sam was away on buying trips, Dolly would pack up the kids and their cousins in her Chrysler Station wagon and take off on weekend adventures. She embodied energy and ingenuity, embracing life at every given moment.
After Sam passed away, she moved to Park City with her teenage children in 1973. Considering her options for living independently, she opened her own small bookstore and boutique on Main Street. Of the different locations a notable one was the old Olpin Mortuary. Dolly’s Bookstore remains an iconic reminder of the impact she made on the town. Dolly’s engaging friendly and appealing personality clearly aided the store’s success. Friends remember how no conversation with Dolly ever ended without including some humor.
More than a merchant, and inspired by her second husband, University of Utah professor Alan Crooks, she imported a chapter of Writers At Work, an adult classroom-type learning opportunity for aspiring writers. She mentored people with intellect and sincerity.
She was kind and generous, taking care of her younger brother, Dave (Ernest) in his later years.
Social and outgoing, she hosted wonderful parties right up to the end, with wine, cheese and crackers for her caregivers.
After a short illness with colorectal cancer, Dolly passed away peacefully and without pain. Loved by all who knew her and never to be forgotten, she is held in high esteem.
Preceded in death by her parents, Delbert & Erna Adamson, husband, Samuel E Makoff Jr, brothers Bud (Lou) and Ernest (Dave). Survived by her children, Samuel Bradford (Debra) and Colette (Don) Beall, beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will take place at O’Shuck’s-Ahh Sushi! Quarry Village Park City, September 14 from 3-6pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Friends of Animals or your personal favorite charity.