Doris R. McDonough

Doris Ruth McDonough, age 96, passed away Tuesday morning, February 20th, 2018, at her home. Doris was born on September 9th, 1921 to Sylvester and Mathilda Schram. She grew up in Gladstone, Michigan. At Gladstone High School, she played the flute, earning her diploma in 1939. She furthered her education at Cloverland Commercial College, following which she served as the private secretary for the Chief Loan Officer at Liberty Loan.

Doris wed Raymond Roy McDonough in a small ceremony on April 11th, 1942, at All Saints Church rectory in Gladstone. The newlyweds took up residence at the Beck Plaza on Ludington Street in Escanaba--right around the corner from her in-laws. Their first child, Gail Rae, was born June 4th, 1943, as they took up residence on Delta Avenue in Gladstone. Following the birth of Sandra Jean on May 14, 1948, the family moved to Escanaba.

A warm circle of friends and neighbors surrounded Doris and Raymond over the years, as they enjoyed a lively social life: volleyball, bridge, and Mead Paper Mill functions, including basement dance parties and golf at the Escanaba Country Club. She also served as a Girl Scout leader and an active member of the St. Pat’s Guild.

Following Ray’s passing in 2009, Doris stayed active physically, taking long walks when weather permitted. She stayed active mentally with emails, reading books, and bookkeeping for her son-in-law. She was a strong person and is an inspiration for us all, as a role model in dignity, prudence, clear thinking, and generosity.

Survivors include her brother James (Ann) Schram, and daughters Gail Rae (Gary) Begg, and Sandra Jean (Peter) Albrecht. She is further survived by grandchildren: Kelly (Mia) Begg, Shannon (Shane) Calhoun, Barbie (Robert) Nebel, Gail (Jason) Flannery, as well as many nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, Doris was preceded in death by her sister and brother-in-law, Ethel and Gene Olson, two of their children: Ricky and Peggy, and sister-in-law, Joanette Schram.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m., to 11:00 a.m., Friday, February 23rd, 2018, at St. Anne’s Church in Escanaba. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 a.m., Friday, with Father Fran DeGroot officiating.  A luncheon will be served afterward in the church fellowship hall.

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