Doris Laustsen

Doris K. Laustsen (nee Kowalchyk) was born November 1931 deceased August 2025. Doris was predeceased by her parents, Helen and Peter Kowalchyk, her first husband Joseph Tansey Sr., her sister Barbara Franzheim and, her second husband Russell Laustsen. She is survived by her children - daughter, Donna-Marie Saultz (and her husband Edward), and her son Joseph Tansey, a niece, Pamela Franzheim and a great niece, Sass Taylor.

Doris' first marriage was to Joseph Tansey; they had two children (Donna-Marie and Joe Jr.). Doris would go on to earn her Masters in Education, teaching special education for the majority of her tenure.

A new chapter would find Doris marrying Russell Laustsen. During their marriage Doris worked in both the Travel and Tourism industry and the Arts and Antiques business. When Doris and Russ retired to New Bern, they purchased an historic home and restored it. Doris also became active with the Garber UMC Church and was afforded the opportunity to travel Russia through the outreach ministry of the Garber UMC Church of New Bern. She and Russ travelled to 46 countries.

Shortly after Russ’ passing, Doris decided to take a solo trip to India; she had the most wonderful experiences. It was a very physically demanding trip and she was fortunate to find a guide who assisted her throughout the trip.

Doris wanted her children to know that she was blessed with two of the most incredible kids in the world and that she loved Russ. Their lives complemented and enriched each other in everyday life and throughout their world travels!

Doris was always grateful for her parents Helen and Peter who instilled in her the values by which she raised her children.

Doris will be interred at St Theresa’s Cemetery in New Jersey with immediate family. Services will be arranged at a later date.