Doris Perry

SHELBURNE FALLS - Doris Perry, 94, died Thursday, November 17, 2016, at her son's home in Shelburne Falls. Doris was a life-long professional artist, using oils, acrylics, pastels, and watercolors.
Doris was Student Body President and Valedictorian at Philadelphia's Olney High School, won a competitive 4-year scholarship to Syracuse University, and graduated with high honors with a bachelor's degree in fine arts. After marrying Stan Perry and living a short time in Greenwich, CT, the couple moved to Shelburne Falls, where Doris painted still-life's of flowers, portraits, and landscapes when her children were young. She was an active member of the Women's Club and Kappa Gamma of the Congregational Church.
Next came a 55-year residence in Brighton and Pittsford, NY, membership in the Pittsford Art Group, exhibiting her paintings at art shows, and working on a long line of custom-ordered paintings of homes, historic buildings, and landscapes.
When Doris returned to Shelburne Falls after Stan's retirement, she connected with far-away grandchildren by illustrating her own stories and poems which were mailed in large illustrated envelopes. The children would then make and return a drawing which answered a question related to the story. Doris sold these storytellers, paintings, and notecards in the Shelburne Arts Co-Op.
Doris was an avid bicyclist and cross-country skier, and attended more than 200 Elderhostels with Stan. She also joined several local clubs to share her love of gardening, writing, and book discussions.
After Stan's death, Doris lived three years in a lovely cottage at the Rockridge Retirement Community in Northampton, MA.
Doris is survived by a daughter Susanne Villar (Luis) of Lynnwood, WA, and two sons, Alan (Susan Jean) of Fresno, CA, and Jim (Margaret) of Shelburne Falls, MA. She is predeceased by her husband, her brother Richard (Rosemarie) of Doylestown, PA, and by daughter Ann (Bob Reeves) of Boulder, CO. Doris had nine grandchildren; Mary Ann and Jennifer Villar, Meredith Kohl and Amanda Buchanan, Heidi, Jamie, and Melanie Perry, Elaine and Billy Reeves, and five great-grandchildren; Issac, Jessica, and Sienna Bayley-Villar, Waverly Howe and Holden Kohl.
The family will gather this summer to celebrate Doris's life, and requests that, in lieu of flowers, her friends please support their local artists this holiday season by purchasing an object of art or a craft.
Smith-Kelleher Funeral Home in Shelburne Falls is assisting the family.