Doris A. (Swales) Estes

Doris A. (Swales) Estes, age 78, of Swansea, died Monday, April 11, 2011 at her residence surrounded by her loving family. She was the wife of Albert T. Estes Jr. to whom she has been married for the past 54 years.

Born in Fall River, Massachusetts, Doris was the daughter of the late Bernard V. and Florence (Bouchard) Swales, and has been a resident of Swansea since 1963.

A graduate of B.M.C. Durfee High School, class of 1951, Doris went on to receive her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education and History from Bridgewater State College in 1955. She was a fourth grade teacher at Gardner Elementary School for 37 years. Doris was the recipient of the Golden Apple Award in 1995 in recognition of her outstanding contributions to her students and their successes. Doris retired a year later in June of 1996.

Mrs. Estes was a Brownie Scout Leader, a member of the Swansea Arts Council, and a past member of the Friends of the Cardinals at Joseph Case High School. She was an avid New England sports fan but especially loved the Red Sox. Most of all, Doris loved to spend time with her husband, her children, her grandchildren, and her animals.

Surviving in addition to her husband, Doris is survived by her son; Christopher V. Estes and his wife Dawn of Dighton, two daughters; Donna L. Dumican and her husband Thomas of Swansea, as well as Ellen A. Fields and her husband William of Fairhaven, one brother; Bernard V. Swales and his wife Doris of Swansea, daughter -in-law Maureen Ryan Estes, ten grandchildren; Jennie Botelho, Amanda Dumican, Zachary Dumican, Ryan Estes, Katie Estes, Andrew Estes, Kristen Fields, Christopher Estes, Jeremy Wood and Bryan Wood, Doris was also blessed with nine great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and her beloved dog Rosie. Doris was the mother of the late A. Tom Estes III.

Her Funeral will be held Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at 8:00AM from the WARING-SULLIVAN HOME OF MEMORIAL TRIBUTE at BIRCHCREST, 189 Gardner’s Neck Road, Swansea, followed by a Funeral Mass at 9:00AM in St. Dominic’s Church, 1277 G.A.R. Highway, Swansea. Visiting hours Tuesday from 5:00 to 8:00PM. Contributions in her honor may be made to the Tom Estes Memorial Scholarship Fund, Joseph Case High School, 70 School St., Swansea, MA 02777. Burial private.