Viola "Vi" Dolman, a leader in the Hawai'i real estate community for more than 40 years and an active volunteer, died Tuesday night at the Hawai'i Medical Center. She was 87.

Dolman suffered a stroke on Dec. 19 and was working hard to recover, daughter Laura Dolman Andrews said. Dolman had just closed on a sale prior to the stroke and received a commission check three weeks ago.

"She never stopped. She never gave up," Dolman Andrews said. "She loved real estate. It wasn't work to her."

Dolman was born Dec. 9, 1920, in Kansas. She attended Kansas State College and received a master's degree in virology at Stanford University.

She moved to Hawai'i in 1953 to focus on her research in polio and cancer, but turned to real estate as a "diversion." In 1970, she formed Dolman Associates Inc. and began a long career as head of her own firm.

Dolman Andrews said her mother was a strong believer in ethics, which she emphasized to everyone who worked for her.

"Full disclosure was her minimum standard," Dolman Andrews said. "Mom would tell me, 'If there's a flaw in the house, take them to it first.' "

Dolman also served as president of the Honolulu Board of Realtors, chaired the Hawai'i chapter of the American Red Cross, and had been a member of the Rotary Club of Honolulu since 1988.

Dolman was honored many times for her community work.

In 1983, she was named Realtor of the Year, and in 1985 received a VIVA (Very Important Volunteer Award) from the Board of Realtors for her volunteer activities.

The Friends of the Cancer Research Center presented her with the 2003 Mauka Makai Award for her efforts to increase awareness of cancer research.

Long-time friend Martin Rabbett said Dolman was "so fun and lively."

"Her honesty was disarming and comforting," Rabbett said. "So many people 'present' themselves, but Vi was authentic. She always spoke the truth."

In 1995, Dolman Associates was merged with three other realty firms to form Coldwell Banker Pacific Properties. Dolman served as a vice president of the merged company.

Dolman is survived by a brother, James Setter; sister, Marjorie Setter; son, David; daughter, Laura Dolman Andrews; and five grandchildren.

Funeral services are pending.

Reach Curtis Lum at culum@honoluluadvertiser.com.