Post a reply || Back to NFA Class Memorial Page..

Doris Olson Mariano - Class of 1953

Submitted by Fran Olson Gustafson 65 <fgustafson917@gmail.com> on 06/Aug/2015
108.75.156.175

Message:

  Doris Eleanor Olson Mariano was born December 3rd, 1935 to Charles J. and Doris (née Muhlemann) Olson in Newburgh, NY.  With her parents and younger sisters, Laura and Frances, Doris grew up attending Grace United Methodist Church and graduating from Newburgh Free Acadamy.  Doris had a life long desire to help others and attended St. Lukes's Nursing Scool on NYC's Upper West Side to begin fulfilling her passion. While at St. Luke's, Doris met her future husband, William ("Bill") Edward Mariano at a dance mixer. After graduating, Doris began working in hospitals and Doctors' offices while Bill obtained his Law degree.  The two married in Newburgh on June 2nd, 1957 and settled in Bronxville, NY. Their family started with the birth of daughter Joanne with Elizabeth ("Beth") and Andrea following. Always particularly wanting to help children, Doris saw a newspaper article about an infant with special needs living at Blythedale Children's Hospital.  After the whole family decided to open their hearts, Geralyn ("Geri") was brought home in 1969. In 1972, the family moved to Bedford, NY.  Doris joined the Armonk United Methodist Church, singing in the Choir and served on several boards.   Doris and Bill were both active in town politics.  Always wanting to be involved with Children, Doris was a longtime Girl Scout Leader and Volunteered at the HCC Middle School Library for many years.  Doris also substituted as a nurse in the Byram Hills School District. In the late 1970s, Doris learned of foster children in crisis and again opened their home to those in need.  One such young girl, Christina arrived and remained a part of the family. In 1988, Doris returned to Newburgh, NY upon separating from her husband.  Though divorced for many years, Bill and Doris always stayed close.  Back in Newburgh, Doris rejoined Grace UMC and the Choir, worked again as a nurse and enjoyed learning Mah Jong. After both her parents died, Doris moved to Cocoa/Port St. John, Florida.  Close to the Kennedy Space Center, Doris delighted in all the Space Shuttle launches she could witness from her lawn.  Again, wanting to be useful and around children, Doris was a dedicated volunteer at Challenger 7 and was recognized many years as Volunteer of the Year within the school and by Brevard County Schools at large. Doris was active in the UMW Lydia's Circle at Indian River and First UMCs. Throughout her life, Doris was an animal lover and rescued many dogs to be family pets, avid reader, enjoyed games, knitted, needle pointed beautiful hangings, and made many lovely craft items.  Early on, she hand made clothing for her daughters.  She enjoyed singing, sometimes in Restaurants after Choir Practice, traveling with Bill while still married, helped organize Art Shows benefiting various non profits, and was always a good friend to those around her. Doris was predeceased by her parents Charles and Doris Olson and by her former husband William (January 2015).  Doris is survived by: daughters Joanne (Dave) Russell, Beth (David) Bell, Andrea (Daniel) Lodato, Geri Mariano, Christina (Gregg) Corbo; grandchildren Jeremy and Ashley Russell, Megan and Michael Bell, and Amanda, Justin, Brian and Aiden Corbo; sisters Laura Penney and Fran Gustafson and several nieces and nephews. Doris passed Tuesday 8/4/15. Though Doris' daughters and loved ones will miss her greatly, they rejoice that she is at Peace and home with God.
 

Replies to this post

No replies yet