I loved reading the life of my friend Doris. She was a great lady and I loved seeing her at the Bloomfield Craft Show. She always had a smile! Remember all the good times you had with her.
Prayers and Thoughts,
Eleanor Pittroff
Jim and I loved Doris so much. We can not find words to express how much she meant to both of us. One cute story , when George and Doris traveled we would keep an eye on the house . Easy to do because we lived right across the street.One day they returned home, towing a small RV camper. We went over to welcome them home and Doris says ‘Hello love, I do not know what he was thinking buying this” Doris started to laugh George yelled to come take a look inside . So we did, to our surprise it was very small inside . Doris flowed us in and said now watch this love, George stood sideways at the doorway for the bathroom, his head touched the calling and because of his size could not fit into the bathroom. Doris and George both started laughing Doris said “I really do not know how he is going to use it”.We have a lot more stories having lived across the street for over 20 years. We became part of your extended family. We will always cherish the wonderful memories of your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers,
Doris was a kind, thoughtful and generous lady. The one thing that we always observed was her love for her Grandchildren and their love for her. She received telephone calls from them every day. She always knew where they were. She so enjoyed cooking and had big meals for them and their parents on a regular basis.
After George passed, she did not need the large vegetable garden they had developed, so she gave half to us Burkeys. We shared garden produce with her. I recall the time she needed a green pepper, so went to the garden and picked one to add to her recipe. Unfortunately, the chile was inedible because she picked a habanero pepper. She joked about this event many times. Also, we offered her garlic many times, but she just laughed.
Doris was a creative cook. She worked in a kitchen so small that she was in there alone. Marilyn also enjoyed cooking. I mentioned to Doris that she and Marilyn should start a restaurant. It could be called DAM or MAD restaurant for Doris and Marilyn or Marilyn and Doris. I think she always got a kick out of my suggestion.
We always know when laundry day was here. Doris loved to hang her laundry outside to dry. We had many conversations in the sunshine over and around the clothesline.
When I was younger, I often struggled to feel comfortable around the senior adults in my life. Members of the “greatest generation” in my family were usually pleasant, but sometimes were not so nice! With older folks you never knew if they’d be a “nice” one or the “other-kind-of-one”! Doris was the definition of nice and she was loved by all who met her. I was very fortunate to have met Doris, who I lovingly called Grandma, and have known her for about the last ten years. I feel like I was ripped off compared to many of the rest of you who knew her for so much longer. Grandma was truly one-of-a-kind. She was the sweetest, most caring person. She always had a big smile on her face and greeted you with a happy “Hi love” in her oh so beautiful English accent. You couldn’t help but love that woman to pieces.
I believe that people come into your life for a reason and Chris, Grandma and I entered each others lives to provide love, guidance, and emotional support to one another. I first met Chris swimming at the Y and we quickly became friends. After Ron died, I decided Chris needed more people in her circle, and we could always use another “ringer” for the quilting group I was in, so we invited Chris. We got a two-for-one as Grandma became an honorary member of the quilting group. It was wonderful for me as I was not much of a quilter so I would sneak off to the side with Grandma and we’d share stories. She made me laugh and gave me an unbelievable amount of joy over the past ten years. We shared many things. As it turned out we had so many things in common – beliefs, likes, dislikes, etc. I used to tease Grandma that we were twins – like DeVito and Schwarzenegger! Through our tales and silly stories we came to realize that we were both kind of troublemakers who often got into a bit of mischief and developed a close bond. She was a wonderful, loving ear to me when anything was wrong and always turned a bad situation into something I could face because of her encouragement. Amazing how such a tiny woman could be such a pillar of support. I truly enjoyed spending time with her. She would giggle each time I said goodbye and told her to try and stay out of trouble when I left…and oh the smile and twinkle in her eye!
Grandma would often talk about her favorite thing – her family. Probably no group of people can drive you more insane than your family, but we both always knew there was no one else you could rely on more! Grandma truly loved all of you and shared many of the family-goings-on with me. She treasured all the phone calls and family time she spent with those she loved most and I know that you all treasured your special Grandma as well. Doris was the epitome of a grandmother: “A grandma is warm hugs and sweet memories. She remembers all of your accomplishments and forgets all of your mistakes. She is someone you can tell your secrets and worries to, and she hopes and prays that all your dreams come true. She always loves you, no matter what. She can see past temper tantrums and bad moods, and makes it clear that they don’t affect how precious you are to her. She is an encouraging word and a tender touch. She is full of proud smiles. She is the one person in the world who loves you with all her heart, who remembers the child you were and cherishes the person you’ve become.” Grandma gave you love, kindness, devotion, and so much more. She was always there to guide; what a perfect example of the kind of person we should all be that stands out in today’s crazy world. May your memories of Grandma remind each of you how special you are and guide you along wherever life leads you.
Life is really short and you never truly have enough time with the people you love – like your family – like Grandma. I think the thing that hurts the most for me is I regret not spending more time with her over the weeks just preceding her death. My life seemed so busy and I just didn’t take the time to see her more. What a neat lady. She was so special – EVERYBODY LOVES GRANDMA! I know we all wish she was still here, but it was not to be as God obviously felt after 95 years He had waited long enough to have Grandma be with Him.
I believe that angels exist both in Heaven and on earth; the only difference is when they’re here with us on earth they haven’t got wings and we call them friends. What a beautiful angel we all have in Grandma. I was blessed to have had a wonderful friend in Grandma. When she died she definitely took a piece of my heart with her, but while she was in this world she had already gifted me with a piece of her own. With that piece of Grandma’s heart I will strive to be as generous and loving a person to others as she has been to me. The things I think I will remember most about Grandma was her ability to place concern for others above herself and her indomitable spirit; displayed always with a smile. Despite hardships and misfortunes in life, Grandma was always able to see the silver lining. She surrounded herself with what she loved most and celebrated life to the fullest. I feel extremely lucky to have been along for the ride – thank you Chris for sharing Grandma with me. Yes, I feel like I got gypped not having Grandma in my life for longer, but even if I had known her for her 95 years, I’d still feel the same. Until we meet again and hear the “hi love” with that beautiful English inflection we must all keep her alive in our hearts.
From a letter from Bob Dunham:
Every time I talk to Doris I always walk away feeling good. She just had that personality that warmed your heart, and couldn’t help but put a smile on your face. She was, by far, the most loving, caring and thoughtful person I’ve ever known! Never once did I ever hear Doris utter a bad word toward anyone.
I do know, for sure, that the world would be a better place if there were more people like Doris. She has always been an inspiration to me and although she will be dearly missed, she will never be forgotten and she will always make me smile!
Hellp my name is Andrea Lizarraga. Y just want to say to all of the family, that on life gandma was a wonderful an exceptional woman. She will be alive between all of us, in our hearts and in our memories. WE HAVE A NEW STAR IN THE SKY love you…..
I loved reading the life of my friend Doris. She was a great lady and I loved seeing her at the Bloomfield Craft Show. She always had a smile! Remember all the good times you had with her.
Prayers and Thoughts,
Eleanor Pittroff
Jim and I loved Doris so much. We can not find words to express how much she meant to both of us. One cute story , when George and Doris traveled we would keep an eye on the house . Easy to do because we lived right across the street.One day they returned home, towing a small RV camper. We went over to welcome them home and Doris says ‘Hello love, I do not know what he was thinking buying this” Doris started to laugh George yelled to come take a look inside . So we did, to our surprise it was very small inside . Doris flowed us in and said now watch this love, George stood sideways at the doorway for the bathroom, his head touched the calling and because of his size could not fit into the bathroom. Doris and George both started laughing Doris said “I really do not know how he is going to use it”.We have a lot more stories having lived across the street for over 20 years. We became part of your extended family. We will always cherish the wonderful memories of your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers,
Blessings, JacquieVanAuken
Doris was a kind, thoughtful and generous lady. The one thing that we always observed was her love for her Grandchildren and their love for her. She received telephone calls from them every day. She always knew where they were. She so enjoyed cooking and had big meals for them and their parents on a regular basis.
After George passed, she did not need the large vegetable garden they had developed, so she gave half to us Burkeys. We shared garden produce with her. I recall the time she needed a green pepper, so went to the garden and picked one to add to her recipe. Unfortunately, the chile was inedible because she picked a habanero pepper. She joked about this event many times. Also, we offered her garlic many times, but she just laughed.
Doris was a creative cook. She worked in a kitchen so small that she was in there alone. Marilyn also enjoyed cooking. I mentioned to Doris that she and Marilyn should start a restaurant. It could be called DAM or MAD restaurant for Doris and Marilyn or Marilyn and Doris. I think she always got a kick out of my suggestion.
We always know when laundry day was here. Doris loved to hang her laundry outside to dry. We had many conversations in the sunshine over and around the clothesline.
When I was younger, I often struggled to feel comfortable around the senior adults in my life. Members of the “greatest generation” in my family were usually pleasant, but sometimes were not so nice! With older folks you never knew if they’d be a “nice” one or the “other-kind-of-one”! Doris was the definition of nice and she was loved by all who met her. I was very fortunate to have met Doris, who I lovingly called Grandma, and have known her for about the last ten years. I feel like I was ripped off compared to many of the rest of you who knew her for so much longer. Grandma was truly one-of-a-kind. She was the sweetest, most caring person. She always had a big smile on her face and greeted you with a happy “Hi love” in her oh so beautiful English accent. You couldn’t help but love that woman to pieces.
I believe that people come into your life for a reason and Chris, Grandma and I entered each others lives to provide love, guidance, and emotional support to one another. I first met Chris swimming at the Y and we quickly became friends. After Ron died, I decided Chris needed more people in her circle, and we could always use another “ringer” for the quilting group I was in, so we invited Chris. We got a two-for-one as Grandma became an honorary member of the quilting group. It was wonderful for me as I was not much of a quilter so I would sneak off to the side with Grandma and we’d share stories. She made me laugh and gave me an unbelievable amount of joy over the past ten years. We shared many things. As it turned out we had so many things in common – beliefs, likes, dislikes, etc. I used to tease Grandma that we were twins – like DeVito and Schwarzenegger! Through our tales and silly stories we came to realize that we were both kind of troublemakers who often got into a bit of mischief and developed a close bond. She was a wonderful, loving ear to me when anything was wrong and always turned a bad situation into something I could face because of her encouragement. Amazing how such a tiny woman could be such a pillar of support. I truly enjoyed spending time with her. She would giggle each time I said goodbye and told her to try and stay out of trouble when I left…and oh the smile and twinkle in her eye!
Grandma would often talk about her favorite thing – her family. Probably no group of people can drive you more insane than your family, but we both always knew there was no one else you could rely on more! Grandma truly loved all of you and shared many of the family-goings-on with me. She treasured all the phone calls and family time she spent with those she loved most and I know that you all treasured your special Grandma as well. Doris was the epitome of a grandmother: “A grandma is warm hugs and sweet memories. She remembers all of your accomplishments and forgets all of your mistakes. She is someone you can tell your secrets and worries to, and she hopes and prays that all your dreams come true. She always loves you, no matter what. She can see past temper tantrums and bad moods, and makes it clear that they don’t affect how precious you are to her. She is an encouraging word and a tender touch. She is full of proud smiles. She is the one person in the world who loves you with all her heart, who remembers the child you were and cherishes the person you’ve become.” Grandma gave you love, kindness, devotion, and so much more. She was always there to guide; what a perfect example of the kind of person we should all be that stands out in today’s crazy world. May your memories of Grandma remind each of you how special you are and guide you along wherever life leads you.
Life is really short and you never truly have enough time with the people you love – like your family – like Grandma. I think the thing that hurts the most for me is I regret not spending more time with her over the weeks just preceding her death. My life seemed so busy and I just didn’t take the time to see her more. What a neat lady. She was so special – EVERYBODY LOVES GRANDMA! I know we all wish she was still here, but it was not to be as God obviously felt after 95 years He had waited long enough to have Grandma be with Him.
I believe that angels exist both in Heaven and on earth; the only difference is when they’re here with us on earth they haven’t got wings and we call them friends. What a beautiful angel we all have in Grandma. I was blessed to have had a wonderful friend in Grandma. When she died she definitely took a piece of my heart with her, but while she was in this world she had already gifted me with a piece of her own. With that piece of Grandma’s heart I will strive to be as generous and loving a person to others as she has been to me. The things I think I will remember most about Grandma was her ability to place concern for others above herself and her indomitable spirit; displayed always with a smile. Despite hardships and misfortunes in life, Grandma was always able to see the silver lining. She surrounded herself with what she loved most and celebrated life to the fullest. I feel extremely lucky to have been along for the ride – thank you Chris for sharing Grandma with me. Yes, I feel like I got gypped not having Grandma in my life for longer, but even if I had known her for her 95 years, I’d still feel the same. Until we meet again and hear the “hi love” with that beautiful English inflection we must all keep her alive in our hearts.
From a letter from Bob Dunham:
Every time I talk to Doris I always walk away feeling good. She just had that personality that warmed your heart, and couldn’t help but put a smile on your face. She was, by far, the most loving, caring and thoughtful person I’ve ever known! Never once did I ever hear Doris utter a bad word toward anyone.
I do know, for sure, that the world would be a better place if there were more people like Doris. She has always been an inspiration to me and although she will be dearly missed, she will never be forgotten and she will always make me smile!
Bob Dunham ( entered for Bob by Chris Van Stean)
Hellp my name is Andrea Lizarraga. Y just want to say to all of the family, that on life gandma was a wonderful an exceptional woman. She will be alive between all of us, in our hearts and in our memories. WE HAVE A NEW STAR IN THE SKY love you…..