Doris Julia Gilbert ... lifelong Rochester resident; at 99

ROCHESTER - Doris Julia Gilbert, 99, die surrounded by her family on Sunday, March 27, 2022 following a period of failing health.

A lifelong resident of Rochester, Doris was born on October 27, 1922, to Wesley and Lillian (Warren) Gowen.

She attended Gonic Grammar School, Rochester High School and graduated in 1940, a proud member of the first Senior Class of Spaulding High. She played basketball and participated in the band.

In 1941 she married Armand J. Gilbert, also a lifelong Rochester resident. Diane, their only child, completed the family a year later.

Doris began her long career in the textile industry in the sewing room of Wyandotte Mill. During WWII she worked on blankets for American troops that included her husband Armand. In later years she followed this work to East Rochester and Sanford, Maine. Always meticulous, she was proud of her work.

After the death of her husband in 1988, Doris continued living in her own home until 2016, when she moved to the Gafney Home in Rochester, then the Wentworth Home in Dover. She always enjoyed weekly Bingo, her manicures, trips to the hair salon and keeping track of the New England sports teams. The family is immensely grateful for the compassionate care given to Doris over these last few years.

Doris doted on all her grandchildren often baking and cooking for her family well into her eighties. In the summer, Doris looked forward to frequent trips to York Beach, the Nubble Light and the Goldenrod. She enjoyed autumn foliage trips to the White Mountains with a favorite spot being the viewing bridge by the lake at Mount Chocorua. No trip was complete without her homemade, overstuffed whoopie pies.

Doris leaves her daughter, Diane Brennan, granddaughter Karen and husband Jon Mendenhall, great-grandchildren Gracie and Carter Mendenhall, and several nieces and nephews.

She is predeceased by her parents, Lillian and Wesley, husband Armand, son-in-law Brian Brennan, granddaughter Kelly Brennan, and siblings George Gowen, Marjorie Davis and Elaine Cassell.