Obituaries

Mary E. Dorenkamp, 94

March 26, 1930 - May 27, 2024

Mary E. Dorenkamp, 94, passed away on May 27, 2024, at The Glen at Willow Valley, Lancaster, PA. Born in Brooklyn, NY, she was the daughter of the late Frank J. and Elsie (Grogan) Doyle. Her beloved husband, Captain Kurt F. Dorenkamp, U.S. Navy (Ret), passed away on October 19, 2017, after they shared 64 years of marriage. Previously a resident of Alexandria, VA, Mary and Kurt moved to Willow Valley in 2011.

Surviving Mary are her daughters, Pat Dorenkamp Reese, wife of Tim, and Peggy Dorenkamp Hebert, wife of Louis, and her son, Joseph Dorenkamp. Also surviving are Grandsons Jason Reese, LCDR Chris Reese USN, Marc Hebert, Jack Hebert, Kurt M. Dorenkamp and Evan Dorenkamp; and Granddaughters Sara Reese, Jennifer Dorenkamp, Olivia Dorenkamp and Skylar Dorenkamp, great grandchildren Graham Reese, Sophie Reese, Layne Reese, River Reese, Emory Reese (expected in November), Taylor Emil, and Brooks Emil. In addition to her parents and husband, Mary was predeceased by her daughter, Kathleen Dorenkamp; her son, Frank Dorenkamp; her Granddaughter, Alysa Reese; and her Grandson, Jeffrey Dorenkamp.

As a Navy spouse, Mary moved their household 17 times, including two moves to Italy with four children in tow. After the children had left the nest, Mary found a second career as an English-as-a-Second-Language teacher for Fairfax County, VA. In her 30 years of teaching, the beloved “Teacher Mary” was a life coach, job counselor, cheerleader & mentor. She was everybody’s second Mom.

Mary relished spending time with her 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. She had an infectious zest for life and a wonderful sense of humor. She saw the positive in every situation, and her example will inspire us to persist in life with any challenge, approach everyone with kindness and affirm those we love.

Mary saw every day as an “adventure” and her journey was one of purpose, love and joy. She will be profoundly missed by all who knew her.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Memorial Service on Friday, July 12, 2024, beginning at 10:00 am at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Private interment at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery will be held at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Mary’s memory may be made to Doctors Without Borders
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June 13, 2024

Matriarch. The word connotes authority, wisdom, strength, and respect. Mary Dorenkamp certainly exemplified these qualities, but that scarcely scratches the surface.
Being from Brooklyn, it’s almost a given that she would possess a sharp eye, keen wit, indomitable spirit, strong opinions, and little reluctance in letting them be known. This existed in sharp contrast to the calm, cool reserve of husband Kurt, and their relationship served as proof that it was indeed possible for the whole to be greater than the sum of their parts! They were a formidable team built on mutual respect and operated like a well oiled machine.
They had to be, for as Kurt – the dashing submarine commander in WW2 to be deemed the star of the show, Mary had to be the entire supporting cast. After all, as Kurt or any field commander worth their salt will attest – it’s not heroism that wins the day, but logistics. In this critical role, Mary was without peer in keeping the home fires burning in all the deployments in all the countries and cultures one can imagine around the world. All the while raising four children of independent mind and restless spirit of their own, Mary proved as adept at “running a tight ship” at home as Kurt did at sea.
Perhaps her greatest achievement is the perpetuation of a grand and ever expanding lasting legacy that owes so much to Mary for her compassionate care, boundless energy, and unwavering dedication to nurturing strong friendships and family.
She will be so greatly missed.
Mark Bayliss

Services: Friday, July 12, 2024; 10:00 AM; Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory; 3110 Lititz Pike; Lititz, PA 17543
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