Doris Coris

Tucson - Our open-hearted and vibrant mom, Doris Coris, 84, passed away unexpectedly on September 10, 2025--still in the prime of her life. She died just days after her last Pilates class and hours after talking with both of her daughters, which she did daily.

Born May 29, 1941 in Lawrence, MA, to Jack and Gussie Hershfield, Doris was one of the first girls to have a bat mitzvah at her synagogue. She earned a B.S. in Education at Simmons College in 1962 and while there, met her husband, Len Coris, on a blind date. It was true love, and she didn't even blink at becoming a walking rhyme: Doris Coris.

Married for over 55 years, Doris and Len shared a passion for travel, the arts, and giving back to their community. After moving to Tucson in 1996 (fulfilling a lifelong dream of living in a place with no snow), they volunteered as reading tutors and served on the boards of various philanthropic organizations. In 2014, they co-founded the TMC Health Healing Art Program, which continues to bring art and music to Tucson Medical Center.

Doris was a lifelong teacher and learner and taught French to students of all ages for many years. In Tucson, she sought out classes and lectures on subjects from jazz to astronomy and often shared her meticulous notes. She especially loved languages. In addition to being fluent in French, she studied a number of other languages and volunteered to teach English to Tucson newcomers. She was incredibly proud when her grandchildren used the languages they were learning.

She savored life slowly and deliberately, always the last to finish a meal and the first to double-check a receipt. She needed plenty of time to get ready-but she never missed a deadline when properly warned.

She kept active with friends, fitness and frequent travels and was even told recently "You look like an athlete," which she found both surprising and funny. She especially loved exploring new places with her daughters and grandchildren, from Mexico City to college tours. Above all, Doris was a people person: generous, curious and genuinely interested in others.

She was predeceased by her parents, her sister Sandy, and her beloved husband Len. She is survived by daughters Lisa Coris and Julie Wilkens; son-in-law Chris Wilkens; grandchildren Yoyo, Cal and Rowan; nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.

Services will be held at Evergreen Mortuary and Cemetery on Sunday, September 21. To share a memory of Doris or a message with her family, please visit Legacy.com.

In lieu of flowers, consider a donation in her name to the following organizations she was passionate about: Youth on Their Own (YOTO), the TMC Health Healing Art Program, or your local NPR station.