Doris Friel

Doris Fae exemplified what a mother should be, generous, caring, and a true friend. She was a gentlewoman who gave so much of her time and energy to other people, especially to her family. People she encountered usually walked away with a smile because of Doris’ loving humor and kind heart.

The flapper style of the roaring twenties was canvassing the bodies of young men and women across the country when Doris Fae was born on August 16, 1925, in Kalamazoo, MI, to Floyd & Bessie (Allen) Wright. Doris grew up in the Paw Paw and Lawton areas, attending Paw Paw schools. She lived on a farm during most of her childhood. Doris enjoyed the outdoors and taking part in all the daily activities on the farm.

On a visit to her aunt’s home, a young man working down the street spotted her. When Alvin Friel saw her he knew that, “she was the woman he was going to marry.” After determined persistence, Doris finally went on a date with him. She saw what he had known from the beginning; they were meant to be together. The couple was married June 13, 1943. They moved to Tennessee while Alvin served during WWII. Doris returned to Michigan before he was discharged and he joined her later on.

Doris stayed home to be with the children and made each day they spent together memorable by having fun. They often went rowing on the lake for the afternoon. Time for fun meant they had to do the housework quickly, but it always was done. At dinnertime the family looked forward to each meal, especially if it was a favorite like biscuits and gravy. Some other favorites were pinto beans and her delicious corn bread.

Doris’ faith was always important to her and she attended Lighthouse Church of God for many years. She was an avid reader and especially enjoyed reading from her Bible. A large collection of angels filled her home. Doris had found angels from all across the country and even in Mexico.

Alvin and Doris always enjoyed their time together. They traveled across the country to different locations. For several years the couple lived in Florida in the Ladies Lakes. She had a great interest in fishing and liked to spend quiet afternoons and evenings on the lake. Her sister Irene was in Florida also and the ladies were always headed out on a new adventure.

In the mid-eighties Doris returned to finish high school. She made her family proud with her determination and hard work. Doris studied and put her whole heart into school. She walked the aisle to receive her diploma in 1986. All of Doris’ hard work paid off and she graduated in the top of her class.

In her spare time she also enjoyed painting ceramics, which displayed her creativity. Doris’ mind was always working and absorbing new things; she loved to pass the time with crossword puzzles and word searches. She also was fond of mushroom hunting, which allowed her to enjoy the outdoors.

Doris’ family was the greatest accomplishment of her life. When an event such as a birthday, holiday, graduation, wedding, or birth occurred, Doris was always there to give her congratulation and share a proud hug. Her family includes her children: Donna & Harold Hoffman of Battle Creek, Don & Nancy Friel of Hickory Corners, Larry & Jeannette Friel of Otsego, Dan & Desma Friel of Battle Creek, and Bonnie & Darl Doubblestein, Jr. of Otsego; 12 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. Doris died on June 11, 2003 in Kalamazoo. She was preceded in death by her husband Alvin in 1983, her sister Irene Caton and a son-in-law David VandenBerg.

Friends may visit with the family on Friday, June 13, from 4-8 PM at the Rupert, Durham, Marshall, & Gren Funeral Home, Plainwell Chapel, where a Life Story Service will be held on Saturday, June 14 at 1 PM.

Please share a memory with her family, or make a memorial donation to Locks of Love.