Matthew Mcconnell
We were lucky enough to visit Doris (as well as Norma and Bruce) the last time we were in the area, just before moving to the west coast. What stays with us both about that visit is what style Doris had! She had a great eye for design and it was evident in the way she decorated her living space and in the clothes she wore. We were so curious about all the unique mid-century modern (and sometimes antique) furniture and art, and she had a story for every object in her specially cultivated space, especially the art, which was often made by her late husband. My wife and I actually still have one of his paintings. I have had it since at least 2007 and so it has moved around the country and has finally ended up with us where we live now in Hawai'i. Since the painting is of an ocean scene with a setting sun, we feel like it has finally come home.
When we last visited her Doris was also very excited to share her spoon collection with us, and we were able to contribute a few from our move westward to her collection, which I think brought her a lot of happiness.
Doris was always very loving and caring for everyone in the family. Every Christmas I remember she would bring incredible sugar cookies to the McConnell family house. I think sometimes every kid would even get their own tin full of cookies! This was an annual tradition that still warms my heart to think about and I hope to one day pass on in some way.
Doris was also always very sensitive and supportive: I remember that when I was young and absolutely obsessed with dinosaurs she would send me every newspaper cutout she could find about them in the mail (I think she also sent me every Calvin and Hobbes comic strip in the paper because she knew I loved those, too). As I grew older and became interested in other things she always shifted gears and kept up: In high school the newspaper clippings started to focus on archaeology and history, and then in college she started sending every psychology related story she could find because she knew that's what I was majoring in. It must have been a lot of work for her but she was happy to do it just because she thought it was something I would enjoy reading. That's the sort of person she was.
After college I stopped getting newspaper clippings, probably because I've moved around so much and it wasn't clear to Doris what I wanted to be when I "grew up" anymore. I'm STILL not sure what I'm going to be when I grow up : ) But we always received a card on Christmas, which always reminded me of those Christmases growing up with the whole family there. I think it was probably her favorite holiday by far.
I will always remember those times, especially around the holiday season, with Doris and the family. It's sad to think about it, but saying you're sad is just another way of saying you loved something, and Aunt Doris was very loved. She will be missed.
With much love for all the family and friends grieving today,
Matt and Tori Spence McConnell
