Doris Pagel

Doris Ann Pagel, [90], of Grosse Pointe Woods, went to be with the Lord on October 27, 2021 after a long and happy life surrounded by family.

Doris was born on July 25, 1931 to Al and Beatrice O’Driscoll in Detroit, Michigan. After graduating from St. Ambrose High School in Detroit in 1948, she went on to study vocal music and music theory at The Juilliard School of Music in New York City and later graduated from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Tx.

In 1949 she met the love of her life, Frederick Pagel while working at the Briggs company. Following a long courtship ,they wed in 1960 (married 50 years) going on to have 2 children, John and Mary.

When Doris had John she decided to walk away from a promising opera career and dedicate her life to being a fantastic and wonderful mother. Doris later became a renowned vocal music teacher in Grosse Pointe, Michigan and excelled at propping up her many students through numerous concerts and performances that spanned more than a decade! She made it her mission to improve the lives of others.

Doris was a devout Catholic and proud member of St. Joan of Arc Parish. She loved spending time at the family summer home in Algonac, Michigan along the St. Clair River. We will miss her greatly.

Doris was predeceased by her parents, Al and Beatrice O’Driscoll and her beloved brothers, James and Edward O’Driscoll along with her wonderful husband Frederick Pagel. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law John and Lynne Pagel and her daughter Mary Kowalski (Ronald). She was proud to be the loving “Nanan” to her four grandchildren Kristina and Joseph Kowalski and Brendan and Darren Pagel.

There will be a private funeral mass and a celebration of life with family and friends at a future date.