In loving memory of

Judith L. Dorris
December 31, 1969 - December 31, 1969

Judith L. Dorris Passed away peacefully on Friday, February 26, 2010. Judy was born on September 24, 1939 in Chicago, Illinois to the late Jerry and Rosalie (Hardwick) Connors. After World War II, Judy's family moved to Valparaiso, Indiana, where Judy lived the next 40 years. Judy married Jules (Bevo) Dorris, also of Valparaiso on November 24, 1962 and together they had three beloved daughters. She was a devoted wife to her husband and wonderful mother to her children and grandmother to her grandchildren. Graduating from Valparaiso High School in 1957, Judy attended Valparaiso University, where she received a B.A. in 1961 and a double M.A. degree in History and English in 1973. She also attended Purdue University to continue her studies toward a counseling degree. She was a longtime member of St. Paul Catholic Church in Valparaiso. Judy was a member of Delta Theta Tau Sorority and more recently a member of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, where she volunteered in the Mothers for Families program and Threads of Love program. Judy took great pride in her chosen career as a high school guidance counselor and English and Social Studies teacher for 38 years. During her career as an educator, Judy was very active in her profession, serving in many leadership capacities and holding many responsibilities to improve the profession she loved. She was also very active in the Association of Porter Township Educators, serving as President two different times, Vice-President and in other association capacities. She was particularly happy when mentoring young, new educators in finding success and pride in the teaching profession. Judy's love of history and great belief in education as a means of finding self-fulfillment found its way to her students in every class. She also devoted much of her "free" time to watching her students perform or participate in sports. Judy was a strong believer in public service. She served as a director of the Valparaiso Water Board for six years, leaving to serve on the Valparaiso Plan Commission for four years and ending her service with four years on the Valparaiso City Council. Judy was also active on many committees and commissions during these many years. Retiring from education and from public service in 2005, Judy and her husband, Jules, moved to Carmel, IN, to be near their three daughters and their families. Judy was happiest when she was surrounded by her beloved husband, daughters, sons-in-law and especially her grandchildren, whom she adored. She also very much loved her home in Waterford, where she found contentment among her friends and her many activities. Judy is survived by her beloved husband, Jules (Bevo); daughters, Nancy Sweet (Jeff), Lindy Richman (Mike) and Sharon Knapp (Andy); grandchildren, Andy and Katie Sweet, Will and Abbey Richman and Sam and Jack Knapp and brother, Gary Connors (Suzie) of Valparaiso and many nieces and nephews. Friends and family will gather from 10 a.m. until Noon on Friday, March 5, 2010 in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 12:30 p.m. You are invited to visit: www.leppertmortuary.com to sign the guestbook.

Tributes

Chuck & Jennie Smith wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bevo, We are so sorry for your loss."

Beverly Bugher wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"As a neighbor, friend and bridge player, Judy was a beautiful person whom I admired and loved. I will miss her radiant presence very much."

Barbara Harrison wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I'm so sorry for your loss. I came to know Judy through my parents Norma and Sam. She was so vivacious and kind. I will miss seeing her."

Sam & Norma Wolkoff wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bevo, We're so sorry for your loss. Judy was always so cheerful. We will miss her."

Jenni Cashen wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Nancy,So sorry to hear about your mom. Your family is in my prayers."

Sam & Norma Wolkoff wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bevo, We're sorry for your loss. Judy was always so cheerful and very thoughtful. We will miss her."

Connie Blough wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Judy. She was a great person and a great teacher. I always wanted to be like Judy, she was always positive and so full of life. The students who had her as a teacher are truly blessed to have had such a wonderful and caring teacher. She will be missed, but never forgotten."

Melody Puller Freeman wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of Mrs. Dorris. She was one of the very best teachers I had and such a positive influence on us all. It's rare to find someone so full of life. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. "

Bo and Bev Boroski wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bevo and family, we are so sorry for your loss. "

Martha Wharton wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Judy's joyous spirit colored everything she touched. As a Waterford neighbor, I admired her greatly and appreciated all she did for this little community. Bevo, I am so sorry for your loss. "

Tiffany Rizzo-Ray wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I am so sorry for your loss, your Mother was a wonderful lady and she will be missed! Your entire family is in my prayers."

Gail Redenbacher Tuminello wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Warm summer sun, Shine kindly here.Warm southern wind, Blow softly here.Green sod above, Lie light, Lie light.Good night, dear heart.Good night, Good night.(Mark Twain)The class of '57 girls will miss you."

Sandy Pauer wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"My hearfeld sympathies to you all. Judy was a wonderful teacher and co-worker. She had the greatest laugh!"

Emily Wood wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Lindy and family, I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers."

Julie Kitcoff wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Sharon & family, I'm sorry to hear about your mom. I remember how excited you were for your parents to move closer to be with all of you. My prayers are with you. "

Jolene & Wallie Musson wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bevo,Growing up as a kid, Gary was my best friend and being an only child, Judy was my sister. I have many fond memories of our childhood. Our thoughts and prayers be with you. Wallie"

Sherrie and Keith Beall wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"We are so sorry for your loss. We met Judy (and Jules) as neighbors of our elderly parents, Sam and Norma. Judy was always so kind and thoughtful towards everyone in the neighborhood. Bringing flowers over when mom was sick and food when dad was ill. BothJudy and Jules are very loving, wonderful people. Judy'skindness and contagious smile will be missed. "

Becky Kreiger wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Mrs. Dorris was my US History teacher at Boone Grove Jr/Sr High School and she is the reason I am a social studies teacher today. My thoughts are with her family at this sad time."

Patti Sherman Brady wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Judy meant so much to me. She was a teacher who cared about her students. Judy was my high school English teacher and then she was a colleague when I taught math at BGHS for 7 years. I enjoyed talking with her when I would return to BG ball games, as she always worked the doors. During my college years, Judy was kind enough to occassionally preview some papers I had to write. I remember having a fun party at her house when I was in high school, as she was our NHS sponsor. Judy was such a wonderful lady. She was kind and thoughtful. She will be missed."

Herb Angle wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I am so sorry to hear of Judy's passing. I shared her friendship all four years of high school, and at all the class reunions since then. She was an ebulient person who contributed greatly to education and community. She will be sorely missed. "

Kathy and Dave Butterfield wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Bevo and Family,We were so sorry to hear about Judy. Just a few days ago, David had heard she was ill so this came as a shock to us. Politics in Valparaiso was always easier with Judy. Her attitude of "let's just do it" was infectious. She walked those streets to campaign with energy and enthusiasm -- and always more than one time around the City.We enjoyed laughing with her and griping with her but she always had a positive attitude.We miss you both in Valparaiso and extend our sympathy to the family. Judy will be missed by many.With much respect, Kathy and Dave Butterfield"

David & Jennifer (Mockaitis) Flesvig wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Our deepest condolences to the Dorris family. Judy is in our thoughts and prayers. We are her former students from Boone Grove High School. She was a great teacher and we will miss her dearly. She was a great inspiration to all of us.Again, with our deepest sympathies, Dave and Jen Flesvig."

Angi Townsend wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I am truly sorry for your loss. Mrs. Dorris was a passionate and wonderful teacher, a true inspiration to her students. I not only learned a love of history in her classroom, but how to think through and best argue my opinions. She will be truly be missed, but her influence lives on in all of us whose lives she touched."

Alicia & Bob McGill wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Bevo and children,With her beautiful smile, winning ways and open heart, Judy touched the lives of countless people. It saddened us so to hear of her passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. "

Carol Ronneau, Delta Theta Tau Chapter President wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bevo, throughout this life's journey, may God comfort and hold you and your family in the Palm of His Hands . Judy's life touched this world in a way no others could, leaving not only wonderful memories, but lasting imprints in our hearts. We will miss our Delta Sister, Judy. "

Jolene M. Blackburn Gazdich wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I am so sad to hear of the passing of Mrs. Dorris. She was my Geography teacher at Boone Grove and we also spent time together when we were on a school trip to Greece and Italy. She was a wonderful teacher, with such a passion for teaching. She will always be remembered by the students of Boone Grove!! May her memory live on through all those lives that she has touched. My thoughts and prayers to her family."

C E Quandt wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"My deepest codolences go to Bevo and the Dorris family. My late wife, Roberta, and I met Judy and Bevo on the golf course at Plum Creek. Judy's smile and positive attitude were infectious. Being in a foursome with Judy was always a happy experience for us. I am so sorry for your loss."

Curtis and Eve Taylor wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Lindy,Sorry to hear about your loss. Your family is in our prayers."

Suzanna and Randy Cable wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bevo:My fondest memories are of you and Judy out at Plum Creek. I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers."

Gail Bickel wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Jules and Family: I am so saddened by your loss of Judy. She was so positive, fun and full of life, with a wonderful laugh. I know how difficult it is to lose those very important people in our lives. "

Kristen Northern wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Lindy, so very sorry for your loss. You and your family are in my prayers. "

Betsy Sampson wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Very sorry for your loss"

Broone Grove Class of 92 wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Mrs. Doris was a teacher that left us with many wonderful memories! She was our class sponsor and attended every event to show her support. Her classroom door was always open for you to talk with her and her laughter could be heard throughout the halls. She will be missed!"

Michelle Ciechna wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I was so sorry to hear of Judy's passing. She was a great teacher, co-worker, mentor and woman. It was an honor to know her."

Linda Severino wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

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Linda Severino wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"LindyI was so sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. After reading the obituary I can see where you get your wonderful traits. It sounded like she led a full and wonderful life touching many people along the way. May God bring peace to you and your family as your hearts heal from this loss. My thoughts and prayers will be with you and your family."

Nancy Coleman wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Sincere condolences to you, Bevo, and your daughters. Please know that prayers are abundant for your strength in this new life ahead of you. Judy was such a beautiiful woman inside and out; I'm sorry for your loss."

Peg Morandini wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"I am so sorry to hear the news. As a young girl growing up, you Bevo, and Judy, always treated me as if I was one of your own. I have such fond memories of sleepovers at your house, all filled with the love and laughter of your mom. Please know that all of you are in our thoughts and prayers. "

Jack and Avis Burge wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bevo,Nancy,Lindy and Sharon,We are so sorry to hear of your loss. May you find strength in your faith, comfort in God's love and peace in knowing your friends are praying for you. Our deepest sympathy.Jack and Avis Burge, Ingram, Texas"

Kara Moseley Hensley wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bevo, Nancy, Sharon & Lindy,I am so terribly sorry for your loss. I have so many wonderful memories of Judy, your darling red house, the bakery and your family. Judy was always one of my favorite of my folk"

Kenny Gibbon wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"My thoughts and prayers are with the family of Mrs. Dorris. I am a graduate of Boone Grove High School and had the privilege of spending 4 years with her. She had such a kind heart and was exceptionally inspirational to not only myself but to other students as well. She would always go to our sports events or other school activities we were involved in because she cared about us. She will be extremely missed and will never be forgotten"

Nancy Pekarek wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bevo and family...so sorry for your loss. Judy was a great person and a great friend to have all those years we raised our children in Valpo. I know the next months and years will be hard, but you will get through it by sticking together and helping each other. That is what your mom would want you to do. If you are ever in MI, St. Joseph is right off I-94...Love, Nancy Pekarek"

Cindy Henderson wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Lindy,I am so sorry for the loss of your wonderful mother. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family."

Sandi (White) Feuerstein wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"So very sorry to hear of Judy's passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Judy was one of my best friends in junior high and high school and it was so great to continue that friendship for over 50 years. She had so many wonderful qualities - a special smile, convincing conversations, interesting points of view, a terrific sense of humor- just to name a few. She left many beautiful memories. May you find comfort in them."

Jim Gearhart Jr wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Mr. Dorris and family please accept my condolences and prayers. I already miss Mrs. Dorris's laugh and smile. She always had a way to make me smile. Her commitment to her students was world class. I feel honored to have known such a wonderful lady. I will always remember her as one of my most influential and inspiring influences in my life."

Scott and Jenne Moore wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Bevo, Nancy, Lindy, and Sharon,Judy was a great Lady. I know you and the Grandkids will miss her dearly. She always was so positive and a true pleasure to know. Our family sends you our thoughts and prayers. Let us know if we can help out in any way.The Moores"

Frank Molnar wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Dear Bevo and Family:We are all better persons for having known Judy. "Out of sight out of mind"? Not hardly! Not ever! Thank you and God bless you Judy, Bevo and the Dorris family."

Diane Allen wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Nancy, may God hold you and your family close as you transition in this life. He has already welcomed your mother home. It's a gracious blessing to look forward to as we meet again one day. A mother is truly a gift. Peace in Christ. "

Connie (Clemans) Summers wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Mr. Doris & family my thoughts & prayers are with you during this difficult time. Mrs. Doris was an inspiration to all that knew her. We were fortunate in that my siblings, as well as my sons were lucky to learn from such a wonderful, caring teacher. She will be missed for a long time, but never forgotten. We all have memories to share of a special, kind-hearted teacher. "

Shary & Ron Kozlowski wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bevo, Nancy, Lindy & Sharon, We are so sorry for your loss. When I think of all of you, I remember all of those basketball games and what fun we had going to all of them, especially the tournaments. Our deepest sympathy."

Sherry Ohlfest wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bevo, I'm so very sorry about Judy. Although I didn't see her often over the years, when we would meet, she always picked up as if we'd been together every day. The special memories she has left with all her students and her loving melody will live on. Sherry"

Pat and Ted Stover wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bevo, we were so sorry to hear of Judy's passing. She will be missed, but we can remember the good times we all had with her and remember her "go get'em" attitude. More of us should be like she was."

Nancy Porter wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"It was with great sadness that I read the obituary for Judy Dorris. I retired from Porter Township School Corp. 2 years ago. From the beginning of my career Judy was an inspiration and help. Although my teaching occured at Porter Lakes Elementary School we often served together on Association business. Through good times and bad she was always positive, professional, and encouraging. I am honored to have known this marvelous woman. My heartfelt sympathy is sent to each of you in her family.Nancy PorterRetired TeacherPorter Lakes Elementary SchoolPorter Township School Corp."

Sue (Keller) Lampson wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bevo--it was such a shock to hear about Judy-I was so looking forward to seeing her in May with some of our other "57" girls. I remember you & your family with such laughter & fun--life on Del Vista Drive was a good one.Sue "

Karen Miller wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"As a friend of Annette Morford's, I was fortunate to be included in many sessions of bridge playing with theWaterford group, and I always found Judy to be oneof the most delightful and enthusiastic people I'd everknown. It was a shock to learn of her sudden death andI can only imagine the loss you must be feeling. Myheartfelt condolences to you all. She was a remarkable lady and because of her modesty I had no idea of herincredible career as a teacher and counselor until reading her obituary. May you remember her with joy andpride for the many contributions she made in this world."

karen and Fred Doelling wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"We have just received news of you loss. We send our deepest condolences to your and your daughters. I knew Judy for many years, we have lost a truly wonderful individual. May you and yours be strong during this time of sorrow. Karen and Fred Doelling "

Nancy Howard Songster wrote on Nov 13, 2012:

"Bevo and family,It is a shock to learn of you loss, we extend to you our heartfelt condolences. Judy was my closest friend in eighth grade and a good friend all through high school. Over the years we lost touch, but at recent reunions we picked up the threads of each others lives as if no time had passed. I have many fond memories of shared stories and much laughter in a group of old friends. Please know you all are in our thoughts and prayers,Nancy and John Songster"