Doris is my dearest closest friend, classmate and life companion over seven decades together: schoolgirls, college co-eds, dancers, brides, mothers, grandmotherhood and widowhood. I accept that she no longer lives among us yet her loving gifts endure: All things Italian, exploring ornithology, travel adventures, and politics. Her courage and selfless determination will inspire me always.

Since before I was born 80 years ago, Doris was always a part of our immediate family. She went with us on vacations to Maine and my sister Valerie and I played on the beach  happily together with her. Growing older I could appreciate  her flexibility from moving to India to, becoming a business woman and raising a family. Our last trip was to Kenya. I will always admire her sense of humor