Monday, June 1, 2009

Memorial Service Celebrates the Life of Puffin D'Oench

From Jane McMillan

Several hundred people attended a gathering at Wesleyan Chapel yesterday to celebrate the life of Ellen "Puffin" D'Oench who died May 22, 2009 at home surrounded by her loving children, Peter D'Oench, Russell "Toby" D'Oench and Ellen "Dodie" Ruimerman. Rev. Margaret Minnick officiated and Ron Ebrecht was the organist. The musical pieces and readings had been thoughtfully chosen by Puffin ahead of time, and included Passacaglia in C Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach, In Paradisum from Requiem by Gabriel Faure, Immortal, Invisible, God Only Wise, All Things Bright and Beautiful, Ecclesiastes 3 read by Julie Flagg, Psalm 23 read by Jean Shaw and a passage from Cymbeline read by Liz Petry.

Peter and Toby stressed Puffin's devotion to family, wit, good humor and amazing work ethic as well as her many scholarly achievements. Biff Shaw recounted Jean's and his long friendship with Puffin and Derry and their many trips together. Her brother, Peter Gates, commented that he had never known anyone who generated such immediate affection in all who met her. The crowd, the service and the reception all were a testament to the durability of this affection.

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