Doris A Voorhees

Doris Anne Voorhees

Doris Anne Voorhees, 91, died peacefully in her sleep early Tuesday morning. Visiting hours with the family are Friday, Oct. 10, from 9-11am, followed by a celebration of Doris’ life, at Bradley, Smith & Smith, 415 Morris Ave., Springfield, N.J.

Doris was born in Newark, N.J. She and her beloved brother Charlie were raised by her parents, Charles and Georgiana (Fairty) Bendokas.

She was the world’s greatest mom (all those 50’s and 60’s TV shows used her as their model), a stellar bridge player (“Go for it!”), an avid golf player and fan, and a hardworking wife. She is survived by her four children, eight grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

She did a remarkably good job raising four kids and a husband on a minimal amount of money, being very careful to manage the budget to make it to the end of the month. In her later years, she and Jack (her husband) enjoyed going out for dinner with their many friends, traveling, golfing, and reading. She loved to travel, visiting Europe a number of times, taking the bus and train across the country to visit her brother in Seattle, driving herself to visit her son in Wisconsin, and after Jack’s death, motoring around town in her new Mini Cooper.

She truly enjoyed playing bridge, and could be found with a group of like-minded players at least three times a week. She was especially close to her bridge group at the New Providence Senior Center – one of her favorite venues. She was also careful about her appearance – a blonde until the end. No way she was going grey if Dad wasn’t!

All of her children married, and have stayed married, to the same person – an accomplishment that reflects the stable and caring home she provided for her family. In later years she loved to hear from her children and grandchildren. She was always ready to listen, and express her own opinions, but was always, always there for her kids. It is quite difficult to realize that we will never see her happy smile again. The memories will have to suffice.