Doris Evelyn McGurren

Doris Evelyn McGurren, 94, of Watson Fields, Dover NH, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on October 15th, 2023.

Doris was born on June 23rd, 1929, to Louise and Conrad Witzgall in Lawrence MA. Doris attended the Lawrence schools and after graduating from Lawrence High School in 1947, she went on to get a college degree and work as a Clinical Lab Technician. Doris married Robert McGurren on May 14, 1950. She later left her profession as a Lab Technician to become a full-time homemaker and mother of six children.

Doris lived in Rollinsford NH for many years where she raised her children and was active in the community.  She was a member of the St. Ann’s Women’s Guild, was a 4-H and Girl Scout leader, taught sewing and did alterations. She loved raising her family, cooking, gardening and sewing.

Doris later moved to Rochester NH into the Cocheco River Estates where she resided for 30+ years. She went on to start two businesses: “Alterations by Doris” an alterations and custom sewing shop and “Scottish Fling”, making custom kilts from imported Scottish wool. Doris volunteered her time at the Frisbie Memorial Hospital and at the Chamberlain Street School as a “Grammy”. She loved to gather with family and friends, play cards, golf and go to the Works. Doris travelled all over the world with her dear friend Sadie.

Doris eventually moved to Langdon Place and most recently Watson Fields, both in Dover NH, where she created many new friends and continued to play cards, bingo and Rummikub.

Through all of life’s challenges, Doris remained the eternal optimist. Her positive spirit, gratitude, perseverance and strength served as a tremendous role model.

Doris was predeceased by Robert Sr., her son Robert Jr., her parents and her brother Walter.

Doris is survived by her daughter Beth Fogarty and husband Bob; daughter-in-law Donna McGurren; daughter Ann Harward and husband Dennis; daughter Joan Noel and husband Steve; son Stephen McGurren and wife Laure; daughter Nancy Morneault and husband Claude; 14 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren with three more on the way, and several nieces and nephews.

Her grandchildren are Jennifer Moody, Jessica Francis, Kevin McGurren, Bryce Harward, Sarah Haywood, Stacy Ruiz, Becky Averill, Steven Noel, Joseph Noel, Coryl McGurren, Michael McGurren, Andrew Mascola, Jessica Szulak, and Brian Mascola.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Watson Fields and Wentworth Douglas Hospital for their compassionate care.

A Mass will be celebrated on November 7th at 10:30 am in St. Mary’s Church, Rollinsford, NH, followed by a private family burial at the Woodlawn Cemetery in South Berwick, ME. A Celebration of Life will follow at 12 pm at Spring Hill, 117 Pond Road, South Berwick, ME.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.