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Lee DOERRIES Obituary
During his 36 years of dedicated service as a professor of Experimental Psychology at Christopher Newport University (CNU), he taught and mentored thousands of students and co-authored more than 50 papers and research presentations, many of which were based on his collaboration with colleagues at Eastern Virginia Medical School regarding the neurological basis of anorexia nervosa. Dr. Doerries was awarded emeritus status when he retired from CNU in 2007.
Lee Doerries served as the chairman of the Department of Psychology at CNU from 1977-82. Over his tenure, he offered his professional services to CNU and to the Hampton Roads community, as a board member for United Campus Ministries, Alternatives Incorporated, and Planned Parenthood. Lee was also a member of Hidenwood Presbyterian's Stephen Ministry. He worked to advance the quality of science and mathematics education in both gifted and minority youth as a consultant for programs like Head Start, Project Excel, V-Quest, GearUp, and as a mentor to students in the New Horizons Governor's School program.
In addition to his professional activities, Lee formed and sustained many important and lasting friendships with his students and colleagues that extended well beyond the classroom.
He is survived by his wife, Denyse; their two sons, Mark and wife, Hillary, Bryan and wife, Sarah; and granddaughter, Abigail; and his sister-in-law, Patricia Brennan; and brother-in-law, Bob Green. The family would like to thank Ruth and Mike Chamowitz for demonstrating the true meaning of friendship; Nelson and Virginia Smith for their enduring loyalty; Dr. John Brady, "The Village Doctor," for his supreme integrity and compassion; Dr. Edward Krauss at Johns Hopkins Hospital for his profound humanity; and all of the friends and medical providers who were present for Lee during the last months of his life.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on March 31, 2011, at Hidenwood Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Alternatives Inc., the Stephen Ministry Fund at Hidenwood Presbyterian Church, or Peninsula Planned Parenthood. View and post condolences on our online guestbook at dailypress.com/guestbooks.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lee DOERRIES
Sallye Petruchyk
March 1, 2022
Lee was such a gentleman in a time when that quality was a rare one. I know you still miss him. I would love to hear from you. I live in Gloucester and my phone is 804 642-1194. See email below.
sally petruchyk
March 1, 2021
Denyse, I didn't now about Lee. I am so sorry. You and I have lost touch and I would love to hear from you and what you are doing.
April 1, 2011
Denyse,
I was so sad to read about Lee's passing. His kind heart, willingness to serve, and warm sense of humor will always be remembered from the days of Stephen's training. May your days be strengthened by his memories and good friends.
Cindy Challoner
Doug Bevelacqua
April 1, 2011
Denyse,
Lee was one of the good guys and, while a student at CNU in the early seventies, I treasured my friendship with you both. I have come to believe that life is a laboratory for learning and that friends are the family we choose for ourselves.
As a young man recently released from the Marine Corps, I had many things to learn about myself and being in the world, and my friendship with you both, along with Lee's early encouragement to embrace academia, changed my life in important ways for which I am profoundly grateful.
Lee's life made a difference in my life. I will miss him, and remain grateful for our relationship.
Joan Byrne
March 29, 2011
Dear Denyse,
Please know that I was very saddened to learn of Lee's passing. He was such a caring and wonderful man. May the many joyful memories sustain you and your family. You are in my thoughts each day.
March 13, 2011
Denyse,
I am so sorry to hear about Lee's passing. I have thought about you and him so many times since I retired many years ago. I remember our parties together and so many good times. My thoughts are with you.
Bill Winter
Regina Yitbarek (Hervey)
March 12, 2011
Denyse,
I'm so sorry to hear the news about the loss of your husband. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
March 10, 2011
Denyse, Bryan, and Mark - I was deeply saddened to learn of Lee's passing. He was the quintessential gentleman and a scholar. His warmth, intellect, and keen sense of humor made it a joy to be in his company, and the scope of his unselfish service to others was remarkable. May the good memories afford you a sense of joy and peace.
Whit Rutter
Jane Chambers
March 9, 2011
Denyse, you might recall that in the early 70s, we were Hilton neighbors, so I sometimes saw you, Lee, or both strolling in the Village with your then very small boys. I recall the boys also appearing as the unfortunate children in a production of MEDEA at CNC. And now Bryan is working with Greek drama in NYC.
Although Lee and I were not in the same department, we were colleagues at CNC/U for several decades. It was while we were both serving on a major committee that met virtually every Friday afternoon for months (once at my home) that I got to know Lee best. His intellect, sense of humor and good-natured approaches to issues we addressed made it a pleasure to work with him. Lee was indeed a highly respected member of the CNC/U community. I was saddened to hear of his passing.
Deborah Conley
March 9, 2011
Dear Denyse, Mark and Bryan,
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband and father. May your paths be filled with peace and love, joy and light.
Zac Rutter
March 8, 2011
Denyse, Mark, and Bryan,
It hurts my heart to hear of Lee's passing. Denyse, it may have been you and Bryan that wandered down the street to welcome us into the neighborhood, but I remember Dr. D warmly as one of the first people to treat me like a small adult while still recognizing and respecting that I was a goofy kid.
Bob Matter
March 8, 2011
I am sorry to hear of the passing of Dr Doerries. He was instrumental in my changing my major from Sociology to Psychology while a student at CNC. It was a decision I never regretted. Thank you Dr Doerries for your inspiration and encouragement.
Jake Rutter
March 8, 2011
Denyse, Bryan, and Mark,
I'm so sorry to hear about Dr. D. His was a firm, guiding hand in many aspects of my formative years...not surprising given the amount of time I spent in y'all's kitchen. He treated me just like one of his boys, especially when I needed a kick in the pants. His memory will warm the cockles of my heart.
Karen Woolard-McGhee
March 8, 2011
Dear Denyse,
I am sorry to read about the loss of your husband. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Joe Healey
March 8, 2011
Denyse - I was saddened to hear of Lee's death. It seems like just yesterday that we were all starting out together at CNU. I have many fond memories of those days! Sympathy to you and sons.
Kara Keeling
March 8, 2011
Lee was a good colleague, much esteemed by faculty members at CNU. He is gone much too soon.
With sympathy, Kara Keeling and Scott Pollard (CNU)
March 8, 2011
We remember Lee as a challenging, compassionate professor at CNU. Our condolences to your family on his loss.
Alice and Steve Edwards
March 8, 2011
Denyse,
I was sorry to learn that Lee is gone. My memory of us all as new faculty at Christopher Newport is so clear. I remember all our energy and idealism. That is how I will remember Lee.
Lois Winter
Brenda Lackey
March 8, 2011
Dear Denyse,
I am so sorry to learn of your loss. You and your family are in my prayers.
Brenda Lackey
Leroy Spearman
March 7, 2011
We have pleasant memories of Lee from our association with him at church.
Leroy and Lilibel Spearman
sally petruchyk
March 7, 2011
Dear Denyse,
I was saddened to learn that we have lost Lee. I was thinking of the two of you last week and remembering the great costumes you came up with for the Halloween parties. xo
Brant Abbitt
March 7, 2011
Very sorry to hear about Lee's passing. He was a professor of mine at CNU, and I learned a lot under his direction. I always appreciated his accessibility, honesty and wisdom. He is a good man, a great professor, and he will be missed.
Bryan, my thoughts are with you and your family.
March 7, 2011
Denise and Boys,
I am so sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathy. If there is anything you need please let me know.
Shari Dolecki
Debbie Hamilton
March 7, 2011
Denise,
I am so sorry to read of Lee's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Rita Hubbard
March 7, 2011
Lee was a gentleman and scholar and, over the years, he was a warm and thoughtful friend to me. In his life, he was firmly grounded by his intellect and integrity. I will miss him.
rona altschuler
March 7, 2011
Dear Denise, marc and brian ,
Our thoughts are with you as we learned of the passing of Lee. May his memory give you strength in your time of loss. I will miss Lee at his regular dental visits.
Shalom, Rona and Alan Altschuler
Karen Varner
March 7, 2011
Mrs. Doeeries,
I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time and always. If there is anything I can do for you or your family, please let me know. You helped me so many times, that I would truly like to help you get thru this time of pain and grief.
Karen (Salaj) Varner,
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