Doris Gaudreau

Doris Joan Gaudreau passed away on December 13, 2010, at the age of 79. Doris (known as Dottie by her friends) was born on December 16, 1930 to Cyril and Ermalinda Cremese in Detroit Michigan and was raised in Bristol, Connecticut. Dottie was the third of four children and the only daughter. Her husband of 35 years Roger and her brothers Herbie and Ernie precede her on her trip to heaven. Doris is survived by her youngest brother Charles Lockhart (?Chookie?) and life companion Margaret. She is also survived by her five children and their spouses: Lynne (husband Tim Halvorsen), Laurie, Donna, Guy (daugter-in-law, Sally Yoder), and Adam (wife Susan Roberts Gaudreau). She also leaves behind her very much loved and adored grandchildren: Zachary, Tyler, Natalie, Eric, (as well as ?adopted? grandkids) Danika, Lincoln, and Chad. Doris became a commissioned Officer in the US Air Force shortly after completing nurses training at Saint Vincent?s Hospital in Bridgeport, Connecticut. This gave her the opportunity to pursue her avocations: ?taking care of people? and exploring the world. She worked in military hospitals in the Philippines, Japan and Ohio. She traveled to Hong Kong,China, the Taj Mahal in India, Bangkok, Thailand and Singapore. Once while stationed at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines, she danced and was photographed with Chaing Kai-Shek, a story she loved to share. First Lieutenant Doris Gaudreau out-ranked her husband (then Second Lieutenant) Roger A. Gaudreau when they married at the Clark AFB Officer's Club in the Philippines on September 4th, 1954. The birth of her first daughter Lynne officially ended Dottie?s military career. A few years after the birth of her last child Adam, Dottie resumed what became a 30 plus year nursing career specializing in emergency and critical care. She loved being a Mom. She made the most mundane times in life unusual and fun-filled. She brought about a Lucille Ball type of comedy to everyday life events like homework, cooking, baking, scouting trips, or just going for a drive. In recent years, Dottie?s most cherished role has been as ?Grandma Nonny.? She was and will always be her grandchildrens' biggest (and loudest) fan, supporter, and cheerleader. She followed them to most any playing field, gym, or court. She supported and promoted their life goals, school achievements, and special talents. Driving or walking with Mom was always an opportunity for discovery and adventure. It is safe to say that she never came or went to any location the same way twice. Once while walking with two of her grandchildren (Natalie-then 4 years old,and Zachary-then 7) she asked them, ?How do we get home from here?? They declared, ?Nonny you are old enough to know which way to go!? God?s house has many rooms. Mom will find them all? eventually; just not according to any mapped out directions. She was faithful and her love of God, family, friends and pets,immeasurable. She is and will always be sorely missed.

Doris Gaudreau

December 16, 1930 - December 13, 2010