Doris DeWalt

Doris Ruth Beiersdorfer DeWalt, born in Brooksville, Florida, on July 17, 1926, lived nearly 100 years with a fierce independent spirit, a sharp wit, and a deep love for both people and animals.

On September 25, 2024,Doris passed away at home surrounded by family .

A World War II nurse cadet and lifelong registered nurse, Doris "retired" three times but just couldn't stay away from helping others. Nursing wasn't just a job-it was her passion. She also had a deep passion for gardening, history, sewing and genealogy.

Doris, ever the independent spirit, drove until she was 95 years old and survived more than a few health scares, but nothing kept her down for long. Her love for animals was unwavering, especially for her many cats and dogs, who were as much family as anyone else.

She leaves behind her children, Norman DeWalt(Kathy) and Marla Summey; siblings Robert Beiersdorfer and Juanita Montello; grandchildren Heather Summey, Amberly Briggs(Ernest IV), Carmelitta Gauvin(Justin), Timothy Summey (Victoria), Donna Jones, Charles Summey(Nancy ) and Julie Sweeney(Ron); several great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, their families, and many whose lives' she touched during her decades-long nursing career.

Doris was predeceased by her parents George and Elsie Beiersdorfer; siblings Joan Kuka and James Beiersdorfer; son-in-law Donald Summey; grandson Chad Jones and great grandson Joshua Summey; her brother in law Andy Kuka and her nephew Vincent Kuka.

A private family service will be held, gathering to celebrate her life, humor, and resilience.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to your local animal shelter in her name. After all, if there was one thing Doris loved as much as her garden and history books it was her four-legged companions.

Rest easy, Doris-you've more than earned it.