Doreen Coulson Putnam

Doreen Coulson Putnam lived her life as an educator, advocate, and believer in the enduring power of love and learning. She passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025, surrounded by many of those she cherished.
A lifelong teacher, every aspect of Doreen's career was focused on helping others. First, as a Health and Physical Education teacher and coach, then as a Volunteer Coordinator and administrator of multiple nonprofits focused on children, the aging, animals, and underserved populations. Her work coordinating volunteer efforts earned her a Presidential Recognition in 1984 by President Ronald Reagan. She devoted the last 30+ years of her career to supporting families, caregivers, and professionals in better understanding Alzheimer's disease and various forms of dementia. Through her consulting practice, DCPutnam Consulting, she educated thousands on how to approach memory loss with empathy, patience, and grace.
Her book, Sometimes Grandmamma Doesn't Know Me was written to help children understand dementia and reflected her ability to translate professional expertise into human connection. Inspired by her own experience, it tells the story of two young girls sharing in their confusion and frustration for what is happening to their grandmothers, and their learning to love and communicate with them through the challenges of memory loss. Through the generosity of a philanthropic grant, Doreen had the opportunity to distribute her books at no charge to thousands of people throughout Western PA.
Doreen's influence extended across classrooms, community groups, and healthcare networks. She trained and mentored professionals as a Certified Dementia Practitioner, and Certified Alzheimer's and Dementia Care Trainer while maintaining a national reputation for compassion and clarity in the field of aging and memory care.
Born May 11, 1942, Doreen grew up in Mechanicville, New York. She earned her B.S. in Health and Physical Education from the State University of New York at Cortland and her M.Ed. in Educational Administration from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She also completed a Certificate in the Interdisciplinary Practice of Gerontology at the University of Rhode Island and advanced dementia studies through Johns Hopkins University.
Doreen "failed" at retirement twice, a reflection of her unstoppable drive to serve others. As a breast cancer and skin cancer survivor, she faced her terminal ovarian cancer diagnosis bravely. She lived each day with strong faith, determination, and humor, inspiring everyone who knew her. To Doreen's family she was known as "Mom", "Mum," "Grandma," "Yaya," and "GigiMama." She was a source of unconditional love and especially admired for her adventurous spirit. From climbing the highest peaks of the Adirondack Mountains, traveling the world, skydiving in North Carolina, windsurfing on Lake George, hot air ballooning above the Finger Lakes, hiking the Great Ocean Road of Australia, kayaking on Keuka Lake, or jumping on the trampoline with her grandchildren, she was always up for a challenge. She craved being near the ocean or any body of water, loved a long quiet car ride to New England, was rarely seen without a Diet Dr. Pepper in hand or turned down a chocolate milkshake from Millie's! She was always the first to call and sing silly versions of Happy Birthday, would travel well out of her way for a Cousin's lobster roll, and was obsessed with college sports and the New England Patriots. While she made Pittsburgh home in recent years to be close to family, her heart and soul was always tied to Beavertail Park on the coast of Rhode Island.
Doreen's example of living life with purpose and faith will continue to guide the thousands she educated and the family and friends who adored her. She was predeceased by her parents, Arthur & Helen (Murphy) Coulson, her husband of 51 years, Ed Putnam, and her dear cousin, Billy Johnson. Along with numerous close friends-turned-family and members of the extended Murphy and Putnam families, she is survived by her children, Bob Putnam, Allie (Tom) Quick, and Bethany Putnam; grandchildren, Rachyl Putnam (Brock Carico), Megan Putnam (Eduardo Chu), Kiarra Quick, Tayzia Quick, and Dylan Quick; great-grandsons, Tiger Chu and Kai Chu, and her brother-in-law, David Putnam (Ed Malachowski).
A Celebration of Life to honor Doreen's remarkable legacy will be held on Sunday, November 16th from 2-6pm at the Village of Clover Ridge Club House in Murrysville, PA. The family requests guests come with a playful spirit and wearing bright colors! In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to The Speed Family Blessing Box & Pantry (1826 Freeport Road, Arnold PA) or Alzheimer's Association of Greater Pittsburgh (2835 E. Carson St., Suite 200, Pittsburgh, PA 15203). Arrangements entrusted to Jobe Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc. 445 Beatty Road, Monroeville (412-856-4747). Online condolences can be given at www.jobefuneralhome.com.
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