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Doris Lenz Obituary

Lenz Doris May Born May 27, 1923 in Philadelphia, PA, passed away peacefully in NYC on January 19, 2025 at the age of 101.8 years old. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Lisa, family, and friends. Dorie Lenz was known for her pioneering role in broadcast television. First and foremost a Philadelphian, Dorie was a pacesetter who helped define and expand the role of public affairs and the role of women in television. Dorie joined WPHL-TV, Philadelphia, as Public Affairs Director in 1970. She was previously with Channel 29 for over two years as co-host of the " Market Show" and with KYW Radio during her youth on "Once Upon A Time," a weekly children's educational program. Dorie was a champion of issues, particularly those regarding women, and she built significant programming around it. For this work, Dorie received two Emmy's in 1987-1988. In addition to using her TV station's resources to boost awareness, as Executive Producer and for her work as on-air host of public affairs programs "Delaware Valley Forum," and "New Jersey Forum," Dorie was honored by the National Commission for Working Women, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Women in Communications, Women in Transition, and American Women in Radio and Television. On May 19, 1993, Dorie was honored as "The Person of the Year" by the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia. In 1999, Dorie was inducted into its "Hall of Fame". Serving with commitment and joy on numerous Philadelphia non-profit Boards of Directors, Dorie was a singular force-of-nature, passionately devoted to Philadelphia's social and Jewish cultural scene. Dorie will be sorely missed for her humor, openness, irreverence, devotion to her daughter, Lisa and family, martini-toasting celebrations, and love of "her" town, Philadelphia.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Philadelphia Inquirer from Jan. 22 to Jan. 26, 2025.

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6 Entries

Joel Gold

March 1, 2025

I met Doris a few times. She was my aunt, her brother Jay Gold, was my father. My dad passed away in 2007. Doris was very kind to me.

Lynn Lonker

January 29, 2025

I worked at WHYY-TV and PRISM Pay-TV and knew your mother well. We had may dinners together and if they tried to sit us near the kitchen I can hear Dori say "If I wanted to sit near the kitchen, I would have stayed home"..........but she said it with charm and a smile! (And we always got a much better table.)

Scott Goss

January 29, 2025

Sad to learn of your mother’s passing. I’m glad to hear that you had your mom for all those years. Never easy to say goodbye

Richard Goldberg

January 24, 2025

Conveying my condolences

Karen Levson Amster

January 23, 2025

I worked briefly with Dorie at Channel 17 in the 1970´s. Brief.. but meaningful and memorable. So meaningful that I invited her to my wedding in 1989, where she made every guest feel so special. She talked with them, interviewed them, and found something sweet and personal to say about every one of them. Dorie will always take up residence in my heart

Gary Kaplan

January 22, 2025

I am so sorry, Lisa. If you have a chance, reach out to me so I know how to get in touch with you. Gary Kaplan

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