Doris Marie Church's Obituary
It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our mother, Doris Church. She passed away peacefully on May 14, 2023, at the age of 86, surrounded by family in her Dunedin home.
Doris, affectionately known as Dory, had a rich and fulfilling life. She was born in Bushnell, Florida in 1937 and spent her early years on the family farm with her four younger siblings. Later, she moved to St. Petersburg, where she graduated from St. Petersburg High School and pursued further studies at St. Petersburg Junior College and classical voice training.
Dory's exceptional talent as a soprano led her to be selected as a Metropolitan Opera National Audition finalist, earning her a full scholarship. Her classical training paved the way for her numerous performances, including a soloist role at the prestigious Metropolitan Opera. Despite the opportunity for a touring career, Dory chose to prioritize raising her young family and limited her performances to local events. She frequently graced the stages of the St. Petersburg Symphony, Jacksonville Symphony, and the Florida Gulf Coast Symphony, receiving critical acclaim for her remarkable voice.
Dory was an active member of her community, contributing to the St. Petersburg Symphony Guild, Museum of Fine Arts, Asolo State Theatre, Hospice, and her church, Our Lady of Lourdes.
In addition to her artistic endeavors, Dory managed a successful private medical practice alongside her late husband, Gaylord in Clearwater and was a freelance interior designer. In her spare time, she fine-tuned her gourmet culinary skills, much to the delight of her family and friends. After retiring, she enjoyed playing golf, cultivating roses, and embracing her faith and family.
Dory was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gaylord, her parents, Cecil and Hazel, her daughter, Linda, and her brother, John. She is survived by her children, David and Laura Bernstein, her grandchildren, Allesandre Bernstein, Matthew Gordon, Sarah, Daniel, and Alyssa Bernstein, as well as her siblings, Clyde, Wayne, and Caryl, and several nieces and nephews. Dory will be remembered with great admiration. Her memory will continue to inspire those fortunate enough to have known her. She will be missed, but never forgotten.
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