WELLSVILLE – Doris Anne MacMichael, 92, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday (March 29, 2022) at Jones Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.
Mrs. MacMichael was born on June 8, 1929 in Huntington, Ind. to Walter and Clara (Zollers) Yergens. As a child her family moved to New York where she graduated from Hornell High School in 1947. On May 17, 1953, at the Park Methodist Church in Hornell, she married Philip E. MacMichael, who predeceased her on May 8, 2016.
Doris devoted her life as a homemaker to the care of her husband and five children.
Doris is survived by three sons, James W. MacMichael of Andover, Thomas C. (Mary) MacMichael of Mentone, Ala. and Eric L. (Connie) MacMichael of Whitesville; one brother, William Yergens of Florida; a daughter-in-law, Jane MacMichael of Charlottsville, Va.; seven grandchildren, Beth A. (Jason) Cornell, Christine M. (Tony) Frungillo, Shannon (Adam) Goshorn, Katie MacMichael, Erin MacMichael, Adam Sowder and Andria Sowder; five great-grandchildren, Anna Cornell, Ari Cornell, Michael Cornell, Jace Frungillo and Lulu Goshorn; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
In addition to her husband of 52 years, she was predeceased by a son, Philip Jay MacMichael; a daughter, Amy B. MacMichael; a brother, Kenneth (Helene) Yergens; and a sister-in-law, Joan Yergens.
Doris truly loved the life of a stay-at-home wife and mother. She looked forward to the big family events that came around the holidays and eagerly anticipated the day when her children, and later the grandchildren gathered around the dinner table for a meal together. Doris was active in the lives of her family, attending all of the soccer, baseball and softball sporting events at school, as well as the other events and milestones in her children’s lives.
Doris was very community minded and stayed on top of what was happening in town. She appreciated the sense of family fostered in the neighborhood, knowing that all the children were watched over by all the parents. In that bygone era, the children had the run of the neighborhood, joyfully playing and riding bikes under the watchful eyes of the adults. Doris delighted in caring for her children, making sure their needs were addressed, whether running to doctor appointments, buying school clothes, or even making Halloween costumes. Her nurturing side was freely expressed as she nursed her children through sickness no matter the time, and she always stayed up until all the children were home for the night.
Family memories centered on camping, starting out with the expected tent camping experiences. Later they upgraded to trailer camping. Favorite spots were Stony Brook, Letchworth State Park, and Watkins Glen. It was common for the Indiana relatives, Denny and Nanda, and Jerry and Lucy, to drive over and join in on the adventures.
Doris was a devout Christian and an avid reader, especially writers like Billy Graham. She was a fan of Lawrence Welk and took pleasure in watching game shows. Her game night favorites were Euchre and Pinochle.
Doris was practical and frugal about many aspects of living, but this attitude allowed her to be generous with her money on the important things. She was quick and happy to lavish love on those people near and dear in her life.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday (April 1, 2022) at Baker-Swan Funeral Home, Scio/Wellsville, from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. An additional time of visitation will be held on Saturday (April 2, 2022) from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Andover. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. officiated by Rev. Christian Mattison. Burial will take place at Fairlawn Cemetery of Scio at the convenience of the family. Online condolences may be offered at www.baker-swan.com.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions in Doris’ name may be made to SPCA Serving Allegany County, PO Box 381, Wellsville, NY 14895. © 2022 Baker-Swan Funeral Home.
