Harriette McGuire Doordan, age 83, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, June 5, 2013 surrounded by her loving family. Harriette was born March 21, 1930 in St. Petersburg, FL to the late George and Marjorie (Combs) McGuire. Harriette was a graduate of Grundy High School, Class of 1947, where she was an avid basketballContinue Reading
Harriette McGuire Doordan, age 83, of Newark, DE, passed away peacefully, Wednesday, June 5, 2013 surrounded by her loving family.
Harriette was born March 21, 1930 in St. Petersburg, FL to the late George and Marjorie (Combs) McGuire. Harriette was a graduate of Grundy High School, Class of 1947, where she was an avid basketball player. She continued on to Randolph Macon Woman’s College, graduating as a biology major in 1951. Upon her graduation, Harriette became a teacher for the public schools of Grundy, VA. She later worked as a biologist for the DuPont Company where she met her husband, Bernie.
Harriette was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the New Century Club, where she headed the Blue Bear Brigade, and the Newark Country Club. She was also active with Meals on Wheels and volunteered for Mt. Aviat School. She was an avid Bridge player and was a member of several clubs throughout her life. Harriette was an extremely charitable and selfless person, spreading joy and kindness wherever she could. Known as “Mama D” to many, she was the mother that everyone wanted and could hope for.
Harriette is survived by her sons, Pat Doordan (Tracy Webb) of North East, MD, Terry Doordan (Debbie) of Wilmington, DE, Marty Doordan (Chris) of Newark, DE, and Joe Doordan (Annie) of Newark, DE; daughter Mary Anne Shank of Overland Park, KS; brother-in-laws William Hahn of Devon, PA and Robert Doordan of Media, PA; 14 grandchildren; 5 great grandchildren and close friend Ruth Sewell. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 34 years, Bernard P. Doordan, who passed away in 1994; her brother, Joseph McGuire, and three sisters, Rachel Coleman, Helen Hahn, and Marjorie Booker.
The family would like to thank the people from Compassionate Care Hospice as well as her recent caregiver, Suzette Scott, for providing comfort for our mother.
Friends may call at R.T. Foard & Jones, Inc., 122 W. Main Street, Newark, DE 19711 on Tuesday evening, June 11, 2013 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. A funeral mass will be held in Harriette’s honor 10am Wednesday, June 12, 2013 at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, 200 E. Main Street, Newark, DE 19711. Burial will follow in St. John’s Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oblate Sisters at Mt. Aviat c/o the funeral home.
Anisha Thondukolam
left a message on June 14, 2013:
My family lived next door in 1002 Baylor Drive from 1985-1996, when my sister and I were kids. We have such fond memories of running over to her house and spending time in her back yard playing with her dogs Dusty and Mickey as we were growing up. Harriette always took the time to talk to us and was interested in what we were doing. She gave my sister and me tiny music boxes which we still have to this day, and she always ordered girl scout cookies or any other items we were selling for school fundraisers. She was a very welcoming and warm person who could bring a smile to your face. We are fortunate to have been the neighbors of such a special person and we will always cherish our wonderful memories of her.
Amy Boyd
left a message on June 12, 2013:
To the Doordan family, I have lived down the street from Harriette for many many years and have many fond memories of her radiant smile and friendliness. She always welcomed the neighborhood children to sell her their various Scout fundraiser wares, and to give her bouncy jack russell terrier "mickey" a pat. She was a blessing to us all and will be missed. Amy Boyd
Jack Ellsworth
left a message on June 12, 2013:
As I sit in my office knowing the final funeral mass is taking place, I am praying for peace and love for the entire extended Doordan family. Harriett was my "college" mom. Pat, Terry, and I were friends at U of D and Harriette would have me for Sunday dinner quite often. The real blessing was she always told me to bring my laundry! I have shed my tears because I loved who she was, gentle, kind, and loving. I will miss her just as the rest of you!
Douglas Hershman
left a message on June 10, 2013:
Marty, It has been quite a long time since U of D, but I read about your mother's passing and wanted to pass along my condolences to you and your family. I hope all else is well with you and your family. Take care. Doug
Dennis Rolewicz
left a message on June 10, 2013:
Pat Sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Sally Pinto Krapf
left a message on June 9, 2013:
I know all of the memories you hear will be the same because I don't know anyone who doesn't feel the same about Harriette--she was loving, kind, caring and a wonderful person. She had a great sense of humor and was beloved by all who knew her--one very classy woman. I am so very sorry for your loss. All of the Doordan's are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Much love, Sally
Don Dutton
left a message on June 9, 2013:
Harriette brought joy and comfort into my life for as long as I have known her and that was a very long time! Since I was two years old I have had two mothers as Harriette was always the first across the backyard with a quart of tapioca pudding when I had the flu or stayed home from school for any reason. A consummate wonderful friend to my mother and co-entertainer at many a backyard summer evening with my family - she was also always there whenever any favor was to be asked. A truer friend to our family there has never been. Harriette's memory will always bring a smile to my face and comfort to my soul. Thank you, Doordans, for sharing your wonderful mother with us!
Michael R Dutton
left a message on June 8, 2013:
Harriette Doordan was a very special person, almost like a second Mother to me and my siblings. She and my Mother were the best of friends. No doubt they are speaking with each other right now in heaven........... There are so many memories........ One I remember best is whenever I would return home to visit my parents after I joined the Navy, if Harriette would see me in the yard, she would come over and greet me, "Oh Michael, how nice it is to see you!" In earlier days, during the summer, I can remember going over to the Doordan home to help eat the peach or strawberry ice cream that had just been made in the hand operated churn. And recently I can remember the smile on Harriette's face whenever I'd see her in the fall at UofD home football games. She was always so pleased to see on of Marjorie's children, even after we grew to adults.... My heart lies heavily in my chest and a tear rolls down my cheek as I write this.... I just can not help but be saddened to know that Harriette Doordan is no longer with us. But, I am encouraged to know that she is now in heaven and is resting peacefully in the arms of an angel......... Pat, Terry, Mary Anne, Marty and Joe - please accept my and the Dutton family's sincerest, and heartfelt condolences. We all loved your Mother so very much................
maggie smith
left a message on June 7, 2013:
One of my fondest childhood memories is about the two weeks I spent with Aunt Harriet, Uncle Bernie and Maryanne when my sister (Anne Marie) was born. Aunt Harriet made me feel like part of the family and kept Maryanne and I busy with lots of fun activities. I always thought of her as the family matriarch and the center of the Doordan family. I will miss her - Maggie Smith (aka Muffy Doordan)
John Doordan
left a message on June 7, 2013:
Joe, Marty, Mary Anne, Terry, Pat --- Your mom and step-mom was a delightful person. I first met her in the late 50's when your dad brought her to South Bend --- before some of you were born. Your dad and mine had a special relationship together and they both loved and admired Harriette. Your dad obviously so; and my dad shared that respect for her with all of us children. I "too rarely" visited Newark, but when I did I always visited Aunt Harriette and she was always warm and gracious and truly loved such opportunities at "1004". Newark won't be the same. We would all do well with our own children to share her warmth and sincerity and tolerance for all of us. Take care of yourselves --- Cousin John
Kathleen Brockett
left a message on June 6, 2013:
I was fortunate to have known Harriette the past 25 years when my sister, Chris, married her son, Marty. I have admired her from the moment I met her, because she was always a gracious and genteel woman, who put everyone at ease. She loved to entertain and cook, the bigger the crowd the better. From her elaborate Easter brunches to her Christmas morning breakfast with her famous mac and cheese casserole and spicy pecans--Harriette was so happy to be surrounded by her family and dear friends! I cherish the recipes and tips she shared. She had such a generous heart, yet never wanted credit! She loved the fighting Blue Hens and her seats with friends for the games. Most of all, she was a remarkable mother and grandmother to her family, who loved her and will miss her dearly! I wish her happiness with her dear Bernie and her sisters!
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Anisha Thondukolam
left a message on June 14, 2013:
My family lived next door in 1002 Baylor Drive from 1985-1996, when my sister and I were kids. We have such fond memories of running over to her house and spending time in her back yard playing with her dogs Dusty and Mickey as we were growing up. Harriette always took the time to talk to us and was interested in what we were doing. She gave my sister and me tiny music boxes which we still have to this day, and she always ordered girl scout cookies or any other items we were selling for school fundraisers. She was a very welcoming and warm person who could bring a smile to your face. We are fortunate to have been the neighbors of such a special person and we will always cherish our wonderful memories of her.
Amy Boyd
left a message on June 12, 2013:
To the Doordan family, I have lived down the street from Harriette for many many years and have many fond memories of her radiant smile and friendliness. She always welcomed the neighborhood children to sell her their various Scout fundraiser wares, and to give her bouncy jack russell terrier "mickey" a pat. She was a blessing to us all and will be missed. Amy Boyd
Jack Ellsworth
left a message on June 12, 2013:
As I sit in my office knowing the final funeral mass is taking place, I am praying for peace and love for the entire extended Doordan family. Harriett was my "college" mom. Pat, Terry, and I were friends at U of D and Harriette would have me for Sunday dinner quite often. The real blessing was she always told me to bring my laundry! I have shed my tears because I loved who she was, gentle, kind, and loving. I will miss her just as the rest of you!
Douglas Hershman
left a message on June 10, 2013:
Marty, It has been quite a long time since U of D, but I read about your mother's passing and wanted to pass along my condolences to you and your family. I hope all else is well with you and your family. Take care. Doug
Dennis Rolewicz
left a message on June 10, 2013:
Pat Sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Sally Pinto Krapf
left a message on June 9, 2013:
I know all of the memories you hear will be the same because I don't know anyone who doesn't feel the same about Harriette--she was loving, kind, caring and a wonderful person. She had a great sense of humor and was beloved by all who knew her--one very classy woman. I am so very sorry for your loss. All of the Doordan's are in my thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Much love, Sally
Don Dutton
left a message on June 9, 2013:
Harriette brought joy and comfort into my life for as long as I have known her and that was a very long time! Since I was two years old I have had two mothers as Harriette was always the first across the backyard with a quart of tapioca pudding when I had the flu or stayed home from school for any reason. A consummate wonderful friend to my mother and co-entertainer at many a backyard summer evening with my family - she was also always there whenever any favor was to be asked. A truer friend to our family there has never been. Harriette's memory will always bring a smile to my face and comfort to my soul. Thank you, Doordans, for sharing your wonderful mother with us!
Michael R Dutton
left a message on June 8, 2013:
Harriette Doordan was a very special person, almost like a second Mother to me and my siblings. She and my Mother were the best of friends. No doubt they are speaking with each other right now in heaven........... There are so many memories........ One I remember best is whenever I would return home to visit my parents after I joined the Navy, if Harriette would see me in the yard, she would come over and greet me, "Oh Michael, how nice it is to see you!" In earlier days, during the summer, I can remember going over to the Doordan home to help eat the peach or strawberry ice cream that had just been made in the hand operated churn. And recently I can remember the smile on Harriette's face whenever I'd see her in the fall at UofD home football games. She was always so pleased to see on of Marjorie's children, even after we grew to adults.... My heart lies heavily in my chest and a tear rolls down my cheek as I write this.... I just can not help but be saddened to know that Harriette Doordan is no longer with us. But, I am encouraged to know that she is now in heaven and is resting peacefully in the arms of an angel......... Pat, Terry, Mary Anne, Marty and Joe - please accept my and the Dutton family's sincerest, and heartfelt condolences. We all loved your Mother so very much................
maggie smith
left a message on June 7, 2013:
One of my fondest childhood memories is about the two weeks I spent with Aunt Harriet, Uncle Bernie and Maryanne when my sister (Anne Marie) was born. Aunt Harriet made me feel like part of the family and kept Maryanne and I busy with lots of fun activities. I always thought of her as the family matriarch and the center of the Doordan family. I will miss her - Maggie Smith (aka Muffy Doordan)
John Doordan
left a message on June 7, 2013:
Joe, Marty, Mary Anne, Terry, Pat --- Your mom and step-mom was a delightful person. I first met her in the late 50's when your dad brought her to South Bend --- before some of you were born. Your dad and mine had a special relationship together and they both loved and admired Harriette. Your dad obviously so; and my dad shared that respect for her with all of us children. I "too rarely" visited Newark, but when I did I always visited Aunt Harriette and she was always warm and gracious and truly loved such opportunities at "1004". Newark won't be the same. We would all do well with our own children to share her warmth and sincerity and tolerance for all of us. Take care of yourselves --- Cousin John
Kathleen Brockett
left a message on June 6, 2013:
I was fortunate to have known Harriette the past 25 years when my sister, Chris, married her son, Marty. I have admired her from the moment I met her, because she was always a gracious and genteel woman, who put everyone at ease. She loved to entertain and cook, the bigger the crowd the better. From her elaborate Easter brunches to her Christmas morning breakfast with her famous mac and cheese casserole and spicy pecans--Harriette was so happy to be surrounded by her family and dear friends! I cherish the recipes and tips she shared. She had such a generous heart, yet never wanted credit! She loved the fighting Blue Hens and her seats with friends for the games. Most of all, she was a remarkable mother and grandmother to her family, who loved her and will miss her dearly! I wish her happiness with her dear Bernie and her sisters!
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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