Doris Ann Morse

Doris Ann Romine was born Dec. 11, 1935 to Joseph and Josephine Romine in Buffalo, NY. The youngest of three, she and her family moved to San Francisco when she was 9 years old to seek new opportunities. Doris graduated from Lincoln High in 1953 and briefly attended City College. She, a Sunset gal, then met Leslie Morse, Jr, a Haight-Ashbury guy. They were married in 1954, made their home in SF, and had three children, Michelle “Micky”, Patricia “Patti”, and Robert “Bob.”

Doris enjoyed a full career working for Pacific Bell for 32 years in various managerial roles in Engineering, Management Information Systems, and HR. In that time, she and Les moved their family to Millbrae. Doris soon began her second career as a community volunteer. She became Pac Bell’s key contact manager for Millbrae and joined the Friends of the Library (President 1980-1986), the Chamber of Commerce (President from 1987-1989), the Soroptimist Millbrae-San Bruno Club (President from 1989-1990), and the AARP Driver Safety Program as an instructor.

In 1987, Doris retired from Pac Bell to dedicate herself to her community. She ran and won a seat on the Millbrae City Council, where she served for 12 years and was Mayor for three terms in 1991-1992, 1995-1996, and 1998-1999. Doris’ time on the Council was deeply impactful. She was instrumental in the Millbrae Ave overpass, the BART line to SFO, and the implementation of the city website.

Her true pride however was the reinvigoration of the Sister City program. Doris revitalized the relationship with La Serena, Chile and established a new sister city in Mosta, Malta. Her involvement with Sisters City International led Doris and Les to pursue their passion for world travel. They frequently visited Europe, South America, and Asia. Doris’ mantra was “travel while you’re still healthy and vital.”

Doris’ long and storied career as a public servant and volunteer lasted well into the 2000’s and she was recognized in 2016 as the Millbrae Woman of the Year. Warm, gregarious, and rarely without a smile on her face, Doris held long-lasting friendships throughout her community. She was thoughtful, creative and solved problems with integrity, always making people feel comfortable and respected. She also earned herself the reputation as the “queen of silent auctions,” a skill honed, no doubt, through her love of a good shopping trip.

Doris is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, daughter Michelle, and husband Les. She is survived by her sister-in-law Ursula Judkins, children, Patti (Joe) Armes and Bob (Carmen) Morse, grandchildren, Michael (Mandy) Armes and Sarah (Reid) Harwood, and great-grandchildren, Jameson, Lincoln, Tucker, and Hazel.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

www.cff.org

Fond memories and messages for the family may be offered at www.mcewenminthillchapel.com