Doris B. VanAntwerp passed away peacefully at In Touch Hospice, Somerset, Pa. on August 25 with family by her side. She was born on December 12, 1925 to C. Merrill and A. Marie (Hawkins) Buckman. She was raised in Newtown, Pa. until moving with her family to Schwenksville, Pa. at age 11. She graduated from high school in Schwenksville with honors. From there she went to Penn State University earning a BA degree in Psychology, 1947. It was there that she learned to play bridge which was her passionate hobby until her passing. She was an expert player who was hired by several cruise lines to teach and run games. For the last 15 years she enjoyed playing in the local ACBL club and counted many of the players as good friends.
While at Penn State she met Lewis J. VanAntwerp at a bridge game. They were married October, 1947 until his death in 1999. She and Lew raised their family and lived in Bethlehem, PA. until Lew retired. At that time they moved to Sun City, Arizona, delighting in the many activities and warm weather. Doris moved to Lancaster,Pa. in 2002 and settled in at Homestead Village.
While living in Bethlehem, she heard the clear message of the Gospel and gave her life to the Lord. Her faith always gave her the assurance that God was in control of her life which was exhibited by her kind spirit and not giving into despair during difficult situations.
She is survived by her four children: Carol, wife of Edward Sunbery, Craig, husband to Jane, Joan, wife of Ezra Tice, and Kenneth, husband to Nancy; 10 grandchildren, and 17 great grandchildren. She was a wonderful mom who loved all her family and she had many dear friends.
A funeral service will be held on September 22 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2151 Oregon Pike, Lancaster, Pa. 17601. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at 11:00.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Doris’s memory to World Partners, PO Box 9333, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46899-9333. Please include “Doris VanAntwerp Memorial Fund” on the check. Another option for a donation is In Touch Hospice, 1474 North Center Ave., P.O. Box 1173, Somerset, Pa. 15501.
Babe Quintrall
September 7, 2018 at 10:36 amI am sorry for your family’s loss of Doris. I find the scriptures especially comforting at times like these. Knowing that our Heavenly Father promises to eliminate pain, suffering and death on the earth as recorded in Revelation 21:4, helps soften the blow of losing a loved one. Great comfort can also be found by drawing close to God in prayer, he then will draw close to you and provide the needed strength to carry you through the difficult days ahead. (James 4:8) I wish the very best for your family at this time, take care of each other.
Janet Gehman
September 17, 2018 at 1:19 pmJoan, we enjoyed meeting your mother several times. We pray for peace and comfort for you and your family as you remember her life and love.
Joyce, Janet, Marge Gehman
Jane Castle Church
September 22, 2018 at 9:58 amCarol,
Your mother was so kind to help us learn the intricacies of bridge. To this day Georgia and I still use “the Dorrie rule” we learned from her when we double in a game.
I will miss seeing her at Maple Grove.
Please accept prayers and condolences to your family.
Much love
Jane Church
Carol
October 1, 2018 at 10:24 amJane, thank you. Mom loved her brdge community. I was always thankful for it’s kindness to her. It meant a lot to me and my sibs.
She had a peaceful passing. I am blessed I had her as long as I did.