DORIS T CONLON

Born November 13, 1929, to Edmund and Mary Gingras, growing up with her brothers and sisters in the Grafton Hill section of Worcester.

A graduate of St. Stephen’s High School, she attended Salter Secretarial School after which she was employed by Johnson Steel for many years and in her later years at Assumption College as one of the lunch ladies until the age of 84!

Doris was also a professional singer in her younger years, appearing in several local and Boston lounges, as well as many cities across the state. She also traveled to New York where she auditioned and won, to perform on the Arthur Godfrey television show. Her ultimate joy was performing in many musicals for the Worcester Foothills theater.

But Doris’s true desire was to be married with children. She met the love of her life, Raymond P. Conlon, bringing five children into this world. Mission accomplished!

They shared the excitement of raising a family and also of traveling in the U.S. and Europe with Ireland being their favorite before Ray’s passing in 1984.

She enjoyed simple pleasures in life reading, music, birdwatching, Patriots’ games and weekends away with friends at the Cape and Maine with her daughters catching a sunset every time.

She made many friends throughout her life and became a cherished confidant to those who sought advice and guidance. She also created two other families along the way nurturing Eileen at the age of 10 and calling her a 5th daughter who is part of our lives to this day. She also embraced Patty Boyd Binienda over 50 years ago, becoming a second mom to her, along with her sons Tommy, Eric and Patrick who adopted her as their grandmother. She also extended her love to the entire Boyd / Binienda family who all affectionately called her DeeDee.

Her later years living at both the Colony 2 and 3 retirement communities brought her even more friends, laughter, and memories. Including Tina Aspden who was a loving friend, caretaker and “adopted granddaughter” throughout the last years of her life.

She is survived by her son James Conlon of Worcester, daughters Maura Conlon and spouse Lucy of Boylston with whom she lived the last 6 months of her life, Monica DiMarzio and spouse Albert of W. Boylston, Kerri Conlon Bourgeois of Costa Rica, Eileen and David Laconi and son Christopher of Maine. Her granddaughter Diane Finase and spouse Tim and great grandchildren Anthony and Jacob. Her siblings Marylou Watkins, Anne Marie Deviney, John and spouse Donna Gingras and sister-in-law Lucille Gingras. In addition to many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Ray, daughter Kathleen and brothers and their spouses: Donald, Bobby (Barbara), Paul (Winnie), Billy (Marie) and Spike Watkins.

A special note of thanks to the Salmon Hospice Care Team especially Karen, Sue Ellen, and Tricia, who guided her and us with so much care and compassion through the last month of her life.

Calling hours at Athy Memorial Home 111 Lancaster St., Worcester are on Wednesday, April 3 from 4 to7 p.m. Her funeral Mass will be on Thursday, April 4 at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Church 353 Grove St., Worcester. Burial will follow in Worcester County Memorial Park, Paxton.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to either the Gary Sinise Foundation for wounded veterans and first responders, send donations visit www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate or to St. Stephen Parish Restoration Fund to help restore the beautiful stained glass windows that surround the church, donations, (memo: Restoration Fund) can be sent to: Parish Offices, 355 Grafton St. Worcester MA 01604.

A life well lived and well loved, Doris will be forever remembered and dearly missed.