Doris Mae Gillespie

Doris Mae Gillespie, age 93, of Lewes, DE passed away on Tuesday, May 5, 2020, at Brandywine Assisted Living in Rehoboth Beach after a brief illness. She was born to the late Otto Lobe and Mae (Zeigele) Lobe on December 9, 1926.

Doris spent her formative years in Philadelphia, and lived during both the Great Depression and World War II. After the war, Doris married Vincent Gillespie on December 9th, 1950, who saw active duty in the Pacific Theater. Despite being quite busy raising twin boys Kevin and Brian, she and Vince lived an active and adventurous life, and frequently traveled to many exotic destinations.

One of Doris’s passions was as an advocate for the mentally ill, and she spent over 20 years working for the State of Pennsylvania at Philadelphia State Hospital. She was also an animal lover all her life, and over the years shared her home with many animal family members.

After Vincent passed away in 2003 after 53 years of marriage, Doris continued to live an active and full life, finally moving to the Lewes area in 2015. She traveled with her family to Japan twice, as well as other fun locations within the United States. She was especially fond and proud of her grandchildren, and loved to spend time with them whenever possible.

She was a passionate friend and confidante to many, and cultivated many long-term relationships. She could always be found on Sunday mornings in the front pew at Saint Edmunds Catholic Church in Rehoboth Beach. Even as her health gradually declined over time, her warm smile and friendly personality were a constant source of comfort to both family and friends.

In addition to her husband Vince, Doris was preceded in death by her brother Robert Lobe of Delran, NJ. Doris is survived by her two sons Kevin (Donna) of Glenmore, PA and Brian (Sarah) of Lewes, DE. She is also survived by her four grandchildren, Jennifer, Kimberly, Christopher and Rachele, her Sister-in-Law Winnifred, numerous nieces and nephews and many long-term friends.

The family would like to give thanks to the wonderful staff at Brandywine Assistant Living and Seasons Hospice for their warm and generous support throughout Doris’s final months.

Due to the ongoing heath emergency, Doris’s funeral services will be private. Arrangements are being handled by The Donohue Funeral Home in Downingtown, PA. A celebration of Doris’s life will be announced at a future time.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions in Doris’s memory to be made to the Pennsylvania SPCA.