WESTFIELD – Doris Virginia (Strickland) Fisk, 93, a Westfield resident, died peacefully at Renaissance Manor on Sunday, December 22, 2013. Born in Springfield, she was the daughter of Raymond and Lucy (Reed) Strickland.
Doris spent her early years on the Strickland farm in Huntington and was a graduate of Huntington High School. In 1947, Doris was invited on a motorcycle ride with a Huntington farmer named Donald Fisk. Some months later, Don canceled his order for a new motorcycle and used the funds to purchase an engagement ring. The newlyweds moved to Westfield, where Doris resided for the rest of her life. Doris and Don were married for over 50 years until Don’s death in 2005. Together they traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada with their travel trailer, often on vacation expeditions with other family members. During a time when women were mostly confined to clerical roles, Doris distinguished herself in a career at the Springfield office of the former Worcester Federal Savings and Loan Bank. By the time of her retirement from Worcester Federal, Doris had risen to the position of vice president.
Doris was predeceased by her siblings, Robert Strickland of Russell, Mina Christensen of Minnesota, Clare Becker of Pennsylvania and Raymond Strickland, Jr., of Virginia. Doris had no children, but was a beloved “second mom” to many family members including, Ann Merritt of Russell, Donald Strickland of Florida, Allen Becker, Judy Kilby, and Diane Guerrero of Pennsylvania, Raymond Christensen, Deborah Launer and Doris Rees of Colorado, Dale Christensen of Oregon, Stephanie Kehrer of Virginia, and Michael Strickland of North Carolina. She was predeceased by family members Shirley Becker, Christine Christensen and Norman Christensen. She was a member of the Granville Federated Church, UCC.
Firtion Adams is in charge of arrangements and calling hours will be omitted. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family.
In lieu of flowers contributions in Doris’ memory may be made to the Granville Federated Church, 16 Granby Road, Granville, MA 01034.
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