Cherry Valley – After a long and valiant fight against Parkinson's Disease, Doris Mark, 85, passed away on October 20, 2022 at Robinson Terrace Nursing and Rehabilitation in Stamford, NY.

She was born May 13, 1937 in Esslingen, Germany, the daughter of Frederick and Erna (Keck) Rist, and the beloved stepdaughter of Voldemars Krims.

Doris came to the U.S. through Ellis Island with her family at the age of 17.  They lived in a German community in New York City before moving to Long Island.  Her German heritage was very important to her, and she loved German music and festivals.  An outgoing person with an intense curiosity about others, she delighted in meeting new people everywhere from the grocery store to parties and community groups. In fact, even as her health worsened, she still valued making friends, including the doctors, nurses, and aides who assisted in her care. Doris always dressed to the "nines," often in high heels, whether she was running an errand or going out dancing with friends.  A talented cook, she loved making delicious and often elaborate meals for family and friends, especially for Christmas, her favorite holiday.  She enjoyed collecting all sorts of ladybug items, which she believed brought good luck, and had a huge assortment of Santas that threatened to take over her living room.

Doris was an Assistant Supervisor of Housekeeping at St. Barnabas Hospital, where she met her husband, Richard.  They were married on September 21, 1964 in Yonkers.   She was also an owner of a hair salon in Connecticut, a manager at Label Shopper by Peter Harris in Cobleskill, and the owner of the Ladybug Gift Shop in Cooperstown.

Doris and Richard moved from Connecticut to a farm in Worcester in 1992 and relocated to Cherry Valley several years later.

She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Richard Mark of Cherry Valley; her son, Steve Mark and his husband, Jim Travers of New Haven, CT; her daughter Crissy Garren and her husband, Roger of Cherry Valley; and many "furry grandchildren," including her favorite traveling companions, Stanley and Urban.

In accordance with her wishes, memorial services will be modest and private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in loving memory of Doris to The Parkinson's Foundation at https://www.parkinson.org/

To share condolences, stories, or a photo, visit www.hellerskinnerfh.com , the website of the Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main St., Worcester, NY.