Doreen Purpera

Elenora Doreen Collins Purpera, age 102, was carried to the loving arms of Jesus on Friday, March 14, 2025, at home with family by her side. She was born on July 7, 1922, in Sheffield, England to the late Michael and Elenora Hayes Collins of County Clare, Ireland. Following her brothers into WWII, she proudly served in the Women’s Royal Navy Service (WRNS) as Leading WREN where she met US Army Air Corps Cpl. Jimmie Purpera, both stationed in Scotland. Married on VE Day, May 8, 1945, at St Catherine’s in Sheffield, not knowing the war had ended, they arrived to find the church full of strangers who had flocked to the “Peace Mass”, also their wedding. She was devoted to her family, her faith in Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, and Our Blessed Mother Mary, and was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Doreen is preceded in death by husband of 65 years, Jimmie Purpera; grandson, Samuel James Purpera; and brothers, Dennis (Betty), James “Jim”, John (Mary), and Michael (Pauline) Collins, all of Sheffield, England.

She is survived by her children, Doreen Camus (Michael), James Purpera (Cherie), and Nancy Purpera (Gary Surber); grandchildren, Bernadette Cutrer (Lester), Jennifer Camus, Sarah Surber (Bradley), James Purpera, Jr. (Avery), Abby & Emily Purpera; great-grandchildren, Katie Corley, Brett Cutrer (Hannah), Courtney Cutrer, Alexis Camus, Landon & Sammy Williamson, Oliver & Emrys Bounds; great-great grandchildren, Grayson & Claire Corley, Simon Cutrer, and soon to be born, Mayson Camus; countless nephews and nieces. Her faith and legacy live on through five generations who will always remember her hospitality, humility, humor and playfulness. “Granny” was the epitome of goodness, emanating peace in her presence and making every person and pet feel loved. She was a great storyteller, sharing tales of her adventures with family, friends, neighbors, nurses. Her sharp wit never dulled with age. Visitation will be at Greenoaks Funeral Home, 9595 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA, on Wednesday, March 19, 2025, from 12:30pm until the time of funeral services at 2pm. Burial will immediately follow at Greenoaks Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Buddy Walk- dsagbr.org in Memory of Samuel James Purpera or your favorite charity. Family and friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.greenoaksfunerals.com