Doris
Jewell passed away peacefully on January 28, 2025, in South
Burlington, Vt.
She
was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., on October 21,1939, to Sebastian [Fred]
and Julia Kufer, German immigrants. They moved to Mohegan Lake, N.Y.,
where Doris attended high school and met Bill Jewell. They were
married from 1958 to 2000. They moved to Underhill Center, Vt., in
1960 to enjoy a simple life.
Doris
stayed at home to raise three daughters whom she cherished deeply.
She taught them to love Vermont and the outdoors, as well as the
arts, music, theater and travel. Doris visited her father’s farm in
Germany several times, explored Europe and enjoyed cruises with
family and friends.
Doris
always had boundless energy and was an active volunteer for the
school, Girl Scouts and the Burlington Jazz Festival. She had a
strong work ethic and readily adapted to Vermont life; she once
received a chainsaw for Mother’s Day. She loved to entertain, dress
up for the holidays and spread her joy of life.
She
had a multifaceted career that began with serving as the tax
collector. Later she worked in tour sales at Smuggler’s Notch. She
became a real estate agent and broker, successfully achieving the $1
million club in sales.
Later
in life Doris moved to Bonita Springs, Fla. She quickly made
(younger) friends and continued to enjoy entertaining, gardening and
an active lifestyle. She always knew where to find the best happy
hour.
Doris
is survived by her three daughters and their families: Diane and John
Bennink of Monkton, Vt.; Lori and Tom Delia of Charlotte, Vt.; and
Christine Jewell and her late husband, William Knapp, of Waterbury,
Conn. She was known as Nana to her grandchildren, Alessandro and his
wife Erica, and Enzo Delia. She constantly talked about her family
while she spent her last five years in assisted living in Vermont,
close to her family.
Doris
is survived by her brother Jim Kufer, his wife, Anne Marie, and their
children. She is predeceased by her oldest brother Richard.
The
family wishes to thank the Residence at Quarry Hill in South
Burlington for the compassionate care that Doris received. Many of
the staff expressed their grief over the loss of such a wonderful
human being. Bayada also provided hospice care that enabled her
peaceful transition.
In
lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Residence at Quarry Hill, 465 Quarry Hill Rd., South Burlington, VT 05403, attention:
Associates Fund in Memory of Doris Jewell.
At
the family’s request, services will be private. Please visit
christinejewell.com to share your memories and condolences.
This article appears in Jan 29 – Feb 4, 2025.