Doris Steinmetz

Doris Thoenges Steinmetz of Sandy Springs passed away on May 1, 2026. She was born in Steinfurth, Germany, to the late Heinrich K. and Katharina Thoenges. She was educated in Steinfurth and Bad Nauheim and later studied languages at the Berlitz Language Institute in Giessen, becoming fluent in English and French.

At 18, Doris moved to Paris for six months as an au pair, deepening her French and beginning a lifetime of curiosity about people and places. When her hometown—Germany’s rose capital—needed a rose queen to represent the city at the annual rose parade and events throughout the year, she returned home and proudly accepted the honor, which she cherished her entire life. She later moved to Hamburg to put her language skills to work, and it was there that she met her future husband, Goetz W. Steinmetz. They married in 1969 and shared a loving marriage until her passing.

During their time in Hamburg, it became clear that Goetz shared Doris’ love of seeing the world. When he received an assignment in Mexico, she happily followed, and together they embraced life’s next chapter. They later made their home in the southeastern United States, where they built a life and raised their family.

Doris visited every continent, capturing her travels and the people she loved through her camera lens. An avid amateur photographer, she was known by many for her helpfulness and generous spirit. She was a lifelong learner who enjoyed reading, history, and discovering other cultures, and she was a charter member of the International Club of Atlanta.

Doris was a gracious hostess who enjoyed gardening, loved music, and treasured her dear Mahjong ladies’ group. Of everywhere she visited and all who knew her across the globe, what mattered most to Doris was family. Steinfurth was always in her heart, but Atlanta was her home.

Doris was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband of almost 60 years, Goetz Steinmetz; two children, Nicole Steinmetz and Carsten Steinmetz; three grandchildren; and three siblings.

A celebration of Doris’ life will be held Tuesday, June 2, 2026 at 1:00pm at Sandy Springs Chapel, 136 Mt. Vernon Hwy, Sandy Springs, GA 30328.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Doris’ honor to the Chattahoochee National Park Conservancy or The Carter Center.