Before finally settling in the Toledo area at age 15, her family had moved to Baltimore, Pontiac and Detroit, Michigan. They were accompanied by the Hughes clan of which first cousins were raised more like brothers and sisters.
While in Detroit she sang in school choirs and also live on the radio. Moving here, she attended Waite High School Class of 1952 where young ladies were groomed to be wives and mothers. A budding singing career was not encouraged or even tolerated. She always regretted that lost opportunity.
Frequently the prettiest girl in the room and definitely with a magnetic personality, she had a smile that could light up that very room. But watch out if her temper flared.
She had a brief modeling stent for a local agency and then taught modeling there. She also worked many years at Libbey Glass.
Her favorite job and the one she was most proud of was as a supervisor at Lott Industry workshops. She enjoyed and derived much personal satisfaction working with the mentally challenged and felt loved and appreciated by her clients in return. She was even featured in The Blade's “Why I do What I do” highlighting employees in their own words and why they loved their jobs. She worked there until her MS deteriorating health made it unsafe to continue.
Possibly her greatest achievement was raising three daughters amidst trying personal and situational challenges. She wanted more from and for them than she was able to accomplish and sometimes her delivery sparked disagreements. Despite the conflict of opinions, however, one thing remained steady that she did love them and was very proud of them.
Suffering with MS for 25+ years brought its own challenges and changes. While this dreadful disease eventually stole her ability to walk and be self-sufficient, it never robbed her of her beautiful face and hair. People still stopped her in her wheelchair to remark how lovely she was. Those compliments really brought out the killer smile and she could live on those words for weeks.
No longer able to live on her own even with daily caregivers in her Curtice home, she moved to Tucson near her daughter Debi who worked very hard to help Doris enjoy some quality of life while attempting to maintain her dignity and safety despite the need for more hands-on care. Finally MS took its toll and Doris passed away quietly and peacefully in Debi's arms.
If one were to sum up and learn from Doris's life, it would be to: 1) Pursue your dream, don’t let the music die inside you. 2) Appreciate and be grateful for all you have and take nothing or no one for granted.
Doris's parents and most of her extended family and friends have already passed on and we believe were all there to welcome her spirit as she left her broken down earthly body and reunited with them in Heaven.
She is survived by daughters: Sherry Van Camp, Rossford; Debi (Dan) Schwamberger, Tucson; Shelly (Stuart) Wilcox, Atlanta. Grandchildren: Jodi (Michael Kohn) Van Camp, Ryan (Jenny Boer) Heaton, Drew (Amanda) Van Ness and Kyle Wilcox. Great-grandsons: Jaxson and Wyatt Heaton and Parker Van Ness.
Visitation at 10 am Saturday, May 2nd with funeral service to be held at 12:30 pm at Freck Funeral Chapel. Internment will take place at Lake Township Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider contributions to a charity of donor's choice.