Doris Lenz

Doris May Lenz Born May 27, 1923 in Philadelphia, PA passed away peacefully in NYC on January 19, 2025 at the age of 101.8 years old. She is survived by her beloved daughter, Lisa, family, and friends.

Dorie Lenz was known for her pioneering role in broadcast television. First and foremost a Philadelphian, Dorie was a pacesetter who helped define and expand the role of public affairs and the role of women in television. Dorie joined WPHL-TV, Philadelphia, as Public Affairs Director in 1970. She was previously with Channel 29 for over two years as co-host of the “ Market Show” and with KYW Radio during her youth on “Once Upon A Time,” a weekly children’s educational program.

Dorie was a champion of issues, particularly those regarding women, and she built significant programming around it. For this work, Dorie received two Emmy’s in 1987-1988. In addition to using her TV station’s resources to boost awareness, as Executive Producer and for her work as on-air host of public affairs programs “Delaware Valley Forum,” and “New Jersey Forum,” Dorie was honored by the National Commission for Working Women, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, Women in Communications, Women in Transition, and American Women in Radio and Television. On May 19, 1993,

Dorie was honored as “The Person of the Year” by the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia. In 1999, Dorie was inducted into its “Hall of Fame”. Serving with commitment and joy on numerous Philadelphia non-profit Boards of Directors, Dorie was a singular force-of-nature, passionately devoted to Philadelphia’s social and Jewish cultural scene.

Dorie will be sorely missed for her humor, openness, irreverence, devotion to her daughter, Lisa and family, martini-toasting celebrations, and love of “her” town, Philadelphia.