Search by Name

Add a Memory

Send Flowers

Make a Donation

Share Obituary

Doris Rich Obituary

RICH DORIS L. RICH (Age 88) DORIS L. RICH (age 88), beloved wife of the late Stanley Rich, died on Sunday, May 17, 2009, in Washington, DC. Born in Saginaw, Michigan, Doris lived for many years in Asia, where she started as a Red Cross field assistant for the U.S. Army in Korea. From 1949 through 1967, she was a freelance journalist-photographer in Hong Kong. Before moving to Washington, DC in the early 70s, she also taught English in Bangladesh and Ghana. At the age of 66, Doris embarked on her career as a biographer; her published books include Amelia Earhart: A Biography and Queen Bess: Daredevil Aviator. Her last book was published in 2007. The truest and most generous of friends; the most loving of mothers, grandmothers, and godmothers; and possibly the world''s most determined of crossword-puzzle solvers and tellers of stories, Doris is survived by and will always remain in the hearts of her family: daughter Chris Rich, of Asheville, NC; daughter Deborah Palacios and son-in-law Colin Prior, of Perth, Australia; son Dr. Lawrence Rich and daughter-in-law Celia Escudero-Espadas of Washington, DC; and grandson Ruben Salgado-Escudero of Berlin, Germany. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday June 6, 2009, at St. Thomas Apostle Church, 2665 Woodley Rd. NW, Washington, DC. An informal reception will follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Thomas Apostle or Habitat for Humanity. Online condolences may be sent to Legacy.com.

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

Published by The Washington Post from May 24 to May 31, 2009.

Memories and Condolences
for Doris Rich

How you can show support

Send flowers

Consider sending flowers.

Add photos

Share their life with photo memories.

Plant trees

Honor them by planting trees in their memory.

Donate in Memory

Make a donation in memory of your loved one.

Share this page

Invite other friends and family to visit the page.

Nancy Orban

July 5, 2016

I miss you and your delightful stories.

James Withers

July 15, 2013

Why Do Americans Have The Right to Own Gold? When i get to Heaven and , if i find Stanley and doris Rich there, I want to thank them for all they've done to help me and others, If was a Stanley Utlity knife and cake and or pie are what ever it is or was! Thanks.

Susan Mitchell

June 12, 2009

My sincerest sympathy to Doris' children and grandchildren although we never met. Losing Doris will make a huge hole in your lives. I met Doris in Khon Kaen 30 years ago and she and Stanley were always delightful to be with, entertaining me during my VSO ('Peace Corps') stay there in so many ways - evenings, lunch, trips and always providing fun and sound advice and guidance on so many matters. Over the years since then we didn't meet often but when we did - in London and Washington - Doris was ever warm, funny, wise, interesting and interested. My parents, Carol (no longer here) and Leslie Jones and my son Chris all enjoyed staying with both Doris and Stanley in Washington. The memorable bed head is still talked of - Doris said it'd 'waffle' them if it fell over! I still laugh at her story of Stanley holding on to her legs as she leaned out to clean the windows - so high up! And my dad often has a 'Doris style travelers' light lunch'. I will miss not being able (not) to get in touch - as I thought of her often and didn't write enough. With love.

Doris Rich

June 10, 2009

June 09, 2009

We first met Doris and Stanley in Khon Kaen, in northeastern Thailand more than 30 years ago. During the following years, we have laughed, danced to some good jazz, drank fine wine, exchanged letters and newspaper clippings as well as observations on what was happening in the world; celebrated the good things (Obama) and lamented the bad things. Doris (and Stanley) came to Australia which included a flying visit to Condobalin and became very much part of our family. We will miss her dreadfully but she will not be forgotten - the memories are strong and Doris (and Stanley) live on through their children. It also makes me smile to think that she and Stanley are together again. Kris, John and Alex Major, Sydney Australia

Kelley Thompson

June 9, 2009

June 09, 2009
I met Doris and Stanley when they visited Deb in SF. Intelligent, loving, strong, witty, fascinating, so many words available to describe a couple to whom words meant so much.

It was a wonderful dinner and I left that night with my head swimming with the conversations we'd had, viewpoints I hadn't considered, subjects I didn't know enough about, and ack, homework to do to figure out how I felt about what we'd discussed.

It was wonderful to meet Deb's parents to and to see where she'd inherited her zest for life. Frankly, it was exhausting and exhilarating to meet them at the same time. I was blessed that night to meet wonderful parents of a very dear friend and I am better for the event.

Doris signed my Amelia Earhart book for me, my first, and only, signed book. It's a treasure in my library and I smile every time I read the inscription.

The legacy our parents leave us to share with our friends and family ensures they stay current in our minds and hearts.

Jo Collinge

June 8, 2009

Forty-three years ago, Stanley was one of Rob’s best friends in Saigon. Doris, who was “safe-havening” in Hong Kong, became one of mine – instantly. He stood up for us at our Saigon wedding in spring 1967. She was Matron of Honor when we married again – just to be sure – in Hong Kong nine days later with Deb as a flower girl. Remember, Deb? Doris was everything a human being ought to be: warm and welcoming, interested and interesting. Elegant, in every meaning of the word. She lives in the children she and Stanley reared, the books she wrote, the people she touched who were the better for it – so very many in so very many ways.

Daryl Ferguson

June 4, 2009

I was coming to Washington in July to say goodbye to another friend from Hong Kong days and to visit Doris. Now I can't. You know how much I loved your mother. She was a great companion, a witty dinner guest, but above all, my good friend. As the years go by and the losses accumulate, the memories are so important and I have wonderful ones of some of our escapades in the 60's and 70's--from Hong Kong to Bangkok and Washington. My deepest sympathy is with you all. Please contact me at [email protected] and send me current addresses for Chris, Deb, and Larry.

Roberta Wasserman

June 2, 2009

I was so sorry to hear of Doris's passing -- she and Stanley were a real presence for many years at the Woodward, and she carried "the torch" by herself after Stanley's passing. I was delighted that she was able to join us for holiday gatherings and grace us with her presence and her wit. My condolences to all of you -- she will be missed but her spirit and joy of living will live on.

June 1, 2009

Larry and Celia,
I think I only met Doris that one time, when we had Thai food at your place. But I liked her so much, and was so impressed by her smarts, her straightforwardness and her throaty laugh, that she took up permanent residence in my memory as a marvelous and feisty person.
My condolences to your entire family on your tremendous loss. I will see you June 6.
Paz

patricia garner

May 31, 2009

I met Doris and Stanley when she and spoke to the docents at the National Air and Space Museum about her books.
In the following years we invited them to social events because they were so interesting and charming.
She was so gracious to share her knowledge with so many of us. I will miss her.

Nancy Orban

May 28, 2009

In her most recent letter, in response to telling her I was learning Tai chi, Doris said of the Yoga she did in Hong Kong: "I could not stand on my head unless I was against a wall. Now I cannot walk a straight line. I have renamed my exercise class, 'Snap, Crackle, and Pop.'" I will miss her humor and am saddened for Chris, Deb, and Larry.

May 28, 2009

Every day Doris came to breakfast, with a 20-odd small group of regulars, and went outside to the Express newspaper box, getting a supply to distribute to other breakfast guests.
Once I asked her why she spoke so slowly and enunciated so clearly; perhaps to be easier for us hard-of-hearing people to hear? She said it was from years of lectures. It certainly encouraged rapt attention, wondering what the next word would be.
She is an unforgettable woman.
Sally Cassidy, Washington, DC

Neal Clarke

May 28, 2009

Doris brought an energy and attitude to our community that helped enhance the quality of life here. Her uplifting spirit connected her to residents and staff alike.
She will be fondly remembered and sorely missed.
Our heartfelt sympathy to her family and friends on this untimely loss

Doris in Bill Wooby's apartment, with Jesse Helms!

Pat Yates

May 27, 2009

Doris spent the last year of her life, quite happily, here at The Residences at Thomas Circle. She liked, and was liked by, all us old folks, even the crankiest of us. Her kindnesses to uncertain, often wary new residents were legend. We all enjoyed the "literary journal" she began - she asked residents to write short articles about significant life events, and published the stories in two issues of the "journal." The next issue is due out July 1, and Doris left behind two neat folders of edited stories that we will be able to publish. And lastly, though not leastly, Doris made the best martinis on the tenth floor.

Victoria Elegant

May 26, 2009

Doris was an amazing person who was a great friend to my mother - she had courage, a spirit of adventure and was willing to give everything a go. She is an inspiration and a role model and will be missed

Randee Goodstadt

May 24, 2009

I feel a personal loss although I'd never met Chris' mom; I'd heard so many wonderful stories about this remarkable woman.

Helene Markoff

May 24, 2009

My deepest sympathy to the Rich family on the loss of their beloved Mother and Grandmother--a truly amazing woman. I have known her for over 30 years and we shared both happy and sad times. I was always impressed with her energy, her versatility, her humor, her get-up-and-go! She showed us how to pick up and start anew after life threw us some curve balls. I will remember her always.
Love,
Helene S. Markoff (a neighbor)

Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results