Doris J. King, 85, a former longtime resident of Stearns Avenue in Pittsfield, died Monday, April 10 at home in Nashua, NH where she was residing with her son Mark and her daughter-in-law Tanya. Born in Westfield, MA on February 20, 1931, she was the daughter of the late Frank and Mary Casey Rathbun. She was educated in Pittsfield schools and was a 1949 graduate of Pittsfield High School. She married her husband, the late George T. King on October 30, 1954 at St. Mark Church in Pittsfield. He died on September 12, 2005. Mrs. King was employed for many years at the former Eaton Paper Company. A communicant of St. Mark Church, she was devout in her beliefs and always said the best prayers. The most important thing in her life was her husband and children. She also had a special place in her heart for animals, including her most beloved pets, Taffy and Chippy, her dogs, Pi the cat, and Fleur the rabbit. She was known by friends and family as the best cook, always being asked to bring her peppers and onions, potato salad and meatballs to events. Her children will especially remember her golumpkis and cream puffs. She had a fun spirit and quick wit, making people smile and laugh wherever she went. She had a beautiful voice, and in her younger years, she and her husband sang together. After moving to Nashua, she truly blossomed, opening to new experiences. She loved to go out in the world, readily made friends and found great joy doing arts and crafts, and showing people her special dance step. She leaves her son with whom she resided, Mark King and his partner Tanya of Nashua, NH. A sister; Elizabeth Hebert of Richmond, MA, four grandchildren, and countless family and friends. She was predeceased by her husband George King, her daughter; the late Sheryl Surprenant who died April 29, 2015. She was also predeceased by her brother George Rathbun, sister Edna Howes, sister Millie DelSignore, and Otto and Elizabeth Neilson who raised her as a child.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Funeral services for Doris J. King who died April 10, 2016 will be held Friday at 10:00 AM at the DERY FUNERAL HOME in Pittsfield. Burial will follow in St. Joseph Cemetery in Pittsfield. Calling hours will be held Thursday from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. Memorial donations in memory of Doris may be made to St. John Neumann Day Away Program in care of the funeral home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.

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