In 1942, after graduating from high school in Omaha, Nebraska, Doris came to Los Angeles for a summer vacation. She never returned to Omaha. Doris worked as an executive secretary at The Wilshire Boulevard Temple and was also active in the Temple’s youth group. Her youth group friends arranged a blind date for her with Bernard (Bernie) Chesler; they became engaged on Doris’s 25th birthday, 6/25/1949, and were married that October.
After a short time in Westchester, Doris and Bernie designed and built their dream home in San Pedro in 1954. In San Pedro, where they stayed until 1972, Doris thoroughly enjoyed her role as a stay-at-home mom to her 3 children, Brad, Linda and Jon. She cooked and baked and attended every parade and show at her children’s schools; and proudly earned a PTA life achievement award.
In 1972, with the closure of Shell Chemical in Torrance, they left California for a new chapter in their life story, to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Adjusting to life in the South was not always easy, but Doris, the adventuresome spirit, enjoyed touring and learning about the uniqueness of the area with a Newcomers group. In their 36 years in Baton Rouge, Doris and Bernie made many friends, played in several bridge groups and were active members of the Temple. During these years, they also traveled a great deal - on cruises to Alaska and through the Panama Canal; to Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Niagara on the Lake, and Washington DC, and many more places as well. Their most frequent trips were to Alabama to visit Brad, Linda and the grandchildren, or to California to visit Linda. In 2007, after almost 58 years of marriage, Doris lost Bernie, the love of her life.
In 2008, Doris returned to California to be near her daughter, Linda. Living at the Wellington in Laguna Hills, Doris led a very active, enjoyable life. She served 2 years as president of the Resident’s Association; she played Bridge, Black Jack and other card games; she made jewelry and silk scarves and was a member of Red Hats. She also spent a great deal of time with her beloved daughter, Linda, whose goal was to be sure her mom had nothing to worry about. Linda and Doris traveled, went to the theater regularly and enjoyed trying new restaurants and shopping. Looking good was very important to Doris. Her hair and nails were always freshly done and even her casual clothes were polished and well-styled. And Doris especially loved her shoes!
Her son, Brad, of Birmingham, Alabama, predeceased her in 2010. He is survived by his wife, Linda, and children Adam (Samantha) and Sara (great grandchildren Christopher and Charlotte). Linda resides in Huntington Beach, CA; Jon resides in Baton Rouge, LA.
Doris was loved by her friends and relatives. They described her as smart, kind, generous and thoughtful, as well as a superb card player and a true lady. Doris had a zest for life; she was always eager for the next adventure. Doris was also an expert at mingling at parties. At the party’s end, she always knew who everyone was and something about them; a great skill! Doris’s doctors praised her as strong-spirited and a fighter. Nothing was going to keep her down, at least not for long.
Doris will be remembered as a warm, caring person. She always had a kind word to share and her family always came first. Her loving spirit will be forever missed.
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