Doris Cordell

Doris Cordell, 92, formerly of Hershey, died Wednesday, December 18, 2019, in Gothenburg.

Doris was born on July 3, 1927, to Peter and Elizabeth Beringer in Aurora, Illinois. Her mom died in 1927 and later her father married Hazel Ortman, who was a wonderful mother to Doris.

Doris graduated from West Aurora High School with the Class of 1945 then went to work as a bookkeeper for a dress manufacturing company in Aurora. On October 8, 1947, Doris was united in marriage to Jim Cordell at Sacred Heart Catholic Church at Sutherland. The couple lived on a farm west of Hershey for six years then moved into town. They raised three children and were married for 58 years.

Doris was a member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church, attended Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Hershey where she was on the Altar Society, and was active with the U-Come-To Club. She helped on the Senior Center Board for two years, the Lincoln County Election Board for many years and helped start the recycling program in Hershey. Doris also helped pack boxes for troops overseas with Patriot Packages. In addition to all her activities, she enjoyed her children, grandchildren and being with friends as well as walking, reading, doing embroidery and listening to music.

She is survived by her daughter, Gay Cordell-Smith (Galen), of Mt. Vernon, Ohio; sons, Lynn (Barbara) Cordell, of Hastings and Pat (Patricia) Cordell of Gothenburg; grandchildren, Gabe (Kara) Cordell of Bennington and Jennifer Cordell-Wheeler (Joe), of St. Louis, Missouri; great-grandchildren, Sienna Lynn and Ayla Elizabeth Cordell; nephew, David Greenbusch, of Aurora, Illinois; special friend, Della Brown, of Hershey; as well as other friends and family.

Along with her mother, Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Jim; her parents, Peter and Hazel Beringer; a sister, Joan Greenbusch; and niece, Rosemarie Greenbusch.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 1 p.m. on Monday, December 23, 2019, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church with Celebrant Father Sagar. Burial will follow in the Riverview Cemetery, south of Sutherland. In keeping with Doris’ wishes, the casket will be closed. The memorial book may be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 1-6 p.m. Sunday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore, which is in charge of arrangements. Memorials are suggested to Holy Spirit Catholic Church. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore.