Doreen S. Gaines, DuPont retiree
Doreen Stearrett Gaines, 75, of Wilmington, peacefully passed away Wednesday, April 16, 2014, in the Seasons Hospice Unit at Christiana Hospital.
Doreen was born in Wilmington Jan. 21, 1939, daughter of the late Paul and Gertrude Petterson Stearrett. A graduate of Wilmington High School, class of 1956, she met her husband, Jimmy, on a train to New York City during a DuPont Company weekend excursion in 1957, and they married in June 1959. She was employed with DuPont for more than 35 years and retired in 1991. Following her retirement, she worked part time as a clerk in the environmental services division at Christiana Hospital for one year.
Doreen and Jimmy were 45-year members of the Wilmington Turners Club, where they met many lifelong friends and participated in the Friday evening bowling league. She was also a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of American Legion Post 28, where they enjoyed weekend socializing and dancing. Doreen loved spending time at her summer home in Pot-Nets Bayside and enjoyed boating and flounder fishing in the Indian River Bay. With Jimmy, she became an avid Phillies fan. Throughout her life, she loved and cherished her many pets: her cats, Rusty and Dusty; and her dogs, Sophie, Boots, Alfie, Peggy, Penny and most recently, Pepper.
She was predeceased by her six brothers, Paul Jr., Francis, John, William, Allan and Gene Stearrett.
Doreen will be lovingly remembered by her husband of nearly 55 years, James A. Gaines. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law, Sally, Kay and Pat Stearrett, and Suzanne Gaines; her nieces and nephews; and her caring friends, Lois Calloway and Julie O'Toole, who were members of her wedding party.
Family and friends are invited to visit at the Doherty Funeral Home, 3200 Limestone Road, Pike Creek from noon to 1:30 p.m., Wednesday, April 23. Funeral services will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by interment in Silverbrook Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society , 92 Reads Way, New Castle, DE 19720; the Diabetes Association , 100 W. 10th St., #1002, Wilmington, DE 19801; or Faithful Friends, 12 Germay Drive, Wilmington, DE 19804.
