It was the best, luckiest decision HJ ever made:
during a marriage enduring nearly half a century he was a principal beneficiary
of Doris's devotion, dedication and sense of duty.
First came a son, then twin daughters, then a
final daughter. In her late forties when her own children were grown, Doris
decided to start all over again. She happily took on daycare responsibilities
for her first grandchild, then a second, third and fourth.
Doris was first, last and always a mother, a
caregiver, a nurturer. But she was much more besides. She paid close attention
not just to family and friends but to the world at large. She was a reader,
close follower of world affairs, a student of human nature. Possessed of rare
empathy and intuition, she was a marvelous listener.
She would ask new friends about their lives and families, not merely to be
polite but because she was genuinely interested in others. A friend would only
have to report family details once: Doris would remember.
She was a role model for growing old: positive,
resilient, brave. She understood that abundant good cheer was as beneficial to
herself as to those around her.
Left to lament that she is no longer available to
share her common sense, wisdom and compassion—and
to induce laughter at just the right moment—are
son Alan (Janice Brown), daughters Nora (Ron Whynacht), Nancy (Donald Nelson)
and Kathleen (Jon Prentiss), six grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
All of whom will have to make do with the world of
memories she leaves behind.
