I cannot say enough about Doris, known as Mrs. Schmersahl in my adolescent years.
Looking back, after growing up and having kids myself, I realized what a great effort it takes to keep up with your own kids, much less be involved in the lives of the neighborhood kids. By hosting a yearly talent show, she encouraged us to find our creative sides and show-off talents that may have gone unnoticed our whole life! OK, so none of us made it to the big screen, however, that annual creative challenge certainly enhanced my future and the introvert I was.
She also hosted many adult get-together that my parents looked forward to attending. Always lots of musical instruments and singing!
I took the opportunity to catch up with Doris a few years ago, when my sister and her husband moved back to the neighborhood. She invited us in and we enjoyed the tour of her Norma Mallerich and Amour Krupnik art.
Besides sharing my birthday, Jimmy had the coolest mom around. As the obit states, Doris Schmersahl, remembered always for her energy, her work ethic and her effervescent personality. We love you, Doris, young and old.
