Doris Zenobia Lancaster (Nee Martinez) was born in Dorado, Puerto Rico in 1924 to Telesfora Melecio and Braulio Martinez. She lived on a working farm learning such skills as roasting and grinding coffee, a beverage that remained a favorite throughout her life. As a teen, she moved to San Juan to become a nanny and it was here she met a sailor, Lyman Lancaster. Lyman had no Spanish and she had limited English, but they fell in love and married in 1943. After marrying, Lyman returned to the war and Doris set out on her own to join her in-laws in Washington DC. Lyman and Doris shared life together for 64 years until his death in 2008.
Doris was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. As a minister’s wife and missionary she found joy in teaching Sunday school, leading Bible studies, and counseling young people. She moved frequently, living at more than 25 addresses during her marriage. She made homes in six states as well as the Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Bolivia, and Guyana. Doris especially enjoyed her time serving in mission in the Out Islands of the Bahamas for more than a decade. She spent time on Abaco, Mayaguana and New Providence. While there she assisted in building churches, survived hurricanes, enjoyed fishing and, as she did everywhere, made many lifelong friends. After retirement, she and Lyman moved to Palm Bay, Florida where they lived for 25 years. Following Lyman’s death she moved to Maryland to be near family. She remained here, making new friends, and enjoying her great grandchildren until her death at 97 years of age. The two words most frequently used to describe her are feisty and fun.
She is survived by two daughters: Elizabeth Lancaster (Alan Baker) and Ruth O’Neill (Michael O’Neill); five grandchildren: Caroline Zeman, Michael O’Neill, Brett O’Neill, Shana Dickinson, and Jennifer Ward; eight great-grandchildren: Alana, Aiden, Liam, Olivia, Torin, Hailey, Thomas and Lona. She was predeceased by her husband Lyman Lancaster, daughter Linda Lancaster and sister Blanca Lapiana.
Doris will rest beside her husband in Palm Bay, Florida. A service to celebrate her life will be held in Florida at a date to be determined. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to International Child Care Ministries (770 N High School Rd. Indianapolis, IN 46214) or a charity of your choice.
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