Doris Jane Suttlehan

25 June 1931 – 3 July 2026

"Well done, good and faithful servant... Enter into the joy of your Master." 25:23

Doris Suttlehan, age 95, entered into eternal life on Friday, July 3, 2026, passing peacefully at her home surrounded by the love of her family.

Born in the Bronx, New York, to Charles and Mary Niebergall, Doris was raised in Queens, where she met the love of her life, Laurence Suttlehan, while they were both working for an oil company. They were married on May 8, 1954, beginning a beautiful journey together. Their happiness was cut short when Major Laurence C. Suttlehan was killed in action in Vietnam on November 8, 1967. Left a young widow with three children, Doris faced life's greatest challenge with remarkable courage and grace. Doris remained devoted to his memory and never remarried.

Following her husband's death, Doris moved to Fairfax, Virginia, where she lovingly raised their three children: Laura, Linda, and Larry. Determined to build a new future for her family, she attended George Mason College and earned her degree in education. In 1979, she relocated to Palm Harbor, Florida, where she taught English at St. Petersburg Junior College until her retirement in 1996.

Doris was an active member of st. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church and lived a life filled with faith, friendship, and service. She delighted in sewing, cultivating orchids, playing bridge with dear friends, and attending murder mystery weekends that perfectly matched her playful spirit and sharp wit. Her infectious smile, gentle kindness, and joyful personality made everyone around her feel welcomed.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Major Laurence C. Suttlehan; her parents, Charles and Mary Niebergall; and her brother, Charles Niebergall.

She is lovingly remembered by her children, Laura (Larry) Fairman, Linda (John Duquette) Suttlehan, and Laurence "Larry" (Ruthanne) Suttlehan; her grandsons, Joshua (Milena) Fairman, Samuel Fairman, and Blake Suttlehan; and her great-granddaughter, Sofia Grace Fairman.

Doris will be remembered for her radiant smile, kind heart, unwavering faith, and deep love for her family. She held a profound respect and admiration for the men and women who serve in the military, inspired by the sacrifice of her beloved husband. Her Catholic faith guided her throughout her life and remained her greatest source of strength.

Today, we find peace in knowing that she has been joyfully reunited with her beloved husband after nearly six decades apart. We can imagine Laurence welcoming her home with open arms, her brother Charles beside him, as together they celebrate a reunion that love and faith made possible.

A Rosary will be prayed at 10:30 am on 10, July 2026, followed by a Funeral Mass at St. Luke the Evangelist Catholic Church, 2757 Alderman Road, Palm Harbor, Florida.

A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Luke Catholic Church, 2757 Alderman Rd, Palm Harbor, FL 34684, US, on July 10, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm.

A Graveside Service will be held at Meadowlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, 4244 Madison St, New Port Richey, FL 34652, US, on July 10, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA in Doris' name.