Doris Faye Carpenter

1929 - 2022

By Angela Shannon

Arising from bed each morning with a zest for life, Doris Carpenter ushered in the day, sipping hot tea with cream. For over 40 years, she worked passionately and rigorously for the Democratic National Committee in California and Massachusetts. Building solid work and personal relationships with members of the Carter, Mondale, and Kennedy families, Doris routinely received personal invitations throughout the year to the Kennedy compound. Exercising her voting rights in person, she thoroughly enjoyed observing the election process as much as the potlucks.

Moving to Downieville, California, in 1993 to care for her mother Anna Serocki, she immersed herself in loal happenings after Anna died in 2000. Sitting on the front row of every basketball game, attending plays, music productions, and ice-cream socials, Doris “dressed to the nines”. A generous heart and smiling nature complimented her exquisite attire, matching high heels, immaculate hairstyle, and makeup. Her fashionable appearance paired well with the marketing of Mary Kay cosmetics, products she donated in large quantities to Teen Challenge. Laughter permeates the air as locals recount one sales approach given to a potential customer, “I see that you have developed some wrinkles. I have a product for that!”

Considered a faithful community supporter, a member of the Golden Rays Senior Citizens, and an attendee at the Assembly of God church, Doris died on Sept. 26 at the Oroville Hospital Post Acute Center at age 92. Her daughter, Carrie Blakley, said the cause was end-stage dementia resulting in cardiopulmonary failure. While a private family graveside gathering will commence at a later date, the AOG church will host a Memorial Service on Nov. 13 at 12:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church.

Doris Faye Carpenter was born on Oct. 17, 1929, in St. Joseph, MO., the only child of John and Anna Serocki. She graduated as the Salutatorian from St. Joseph High School in 1947 and attended the Schultz Art School and Antique Studio in Western MA. Doris painted numerous oil-based masterpieces with an artistic flair akin to Van Gogh. Reared in simpler times amongst corn and soybean farms, Doris refrained from utilizing many modern advancements, owning neither a microwave nor a cellular phone. Marrying Andy Carpenter in 2003, this patriotic couple embarked on many adventures for 14 years until his death. Until her last breath, Doris continually inquired about the welfare of younger community members in the armed forces.

Essential to any memorable event is the display and offering of scrumptious food. Yet, despite a strong disdain for baking and cooking, Doris walked through the door with a dessert or another delicacy. While traveling in her company, a Marie Calendars on the map mandated a pie purchase. Her eyes brightened when the Schwan’s delivery truck delivered her beloved Macaroni and Cheese dish or dark chocolate candy was offered. Eating was a joy and most happily done amongst friends while playing Bingo, Bridge, and the card game “Hand and Foot,” all whilst encouraging folks to partner in donating to the United Nations International Children’s Fund (UNICEF). Occasions marked with fine edibles and merriment were eclipsed only by a trip to the Downieville Day Spa.

Besides her daughter Carrie, Doris is survived by son-in-law Jerry Blakley; grandchildren Pamela Rahilly, Max Blakley, Brooks Robinson, and Alex Robinson; and great-grandchildren Lilith Rahilly and Odin Anderson.