Blanche Doris Driscoll

Doris was born in Pawtucket RI to Jeannette Poulin (Lussier) and Emilio Poulin on 19 October 1933. She married Steven Cehelsky of Mahanoy City PA and together they had three sons. Doris later married Alan Driscoll of Falmouth MA. Doris graduated from Norton High School and entered the Airforce after graduation. In 1971 she graduated from Rio Hondo College in Whittier CA. In 1981 she graduated from The Community College of Rhode Island. She worked most of her life as a nurse. When not working as a nurse, she held positions in several companies that she started with each husband, and her last position was as a town employee in North Kingston RI.

Doris was a veteran of the Korean War and served in the Air Force, being stationed at the Pentagon. Throughout her life she remained involved in veterans’ affairs, often marching in Memorial Day parades. In 2001, Doris and several dozen other Korean War veterans traveled to South Korea and were recognized by the South Korean government as an “Ambassador for Peace.” In addition, Doris’ commitment to honoring those who served in the military found her on a team that was central in the fundraising, design and the installation of the Korean War Memorial at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery in Exeter RI. Doris image from her time serving in the Pentagon is a permanent part of the Memorial.

Doris also enjoyed the company of family and friends. Over the years, times with friends took her traveling across the country – from Alaska to New England, and up and down the eastern seaboard. In her retirement, Doris enjoyed many get togethers with friends; dances, card games, bingo, casino trips, and occasionally on multi-island Caribbean cruises.

Doris also loved musical theater. She attending numerous shows, and spent many summers evenings volunteering as an usher at Theater-by-the-Sea in Matunuck RI.

Doris is preceded in death by her parents, her step-father: Malcolm Evans of Attleborough MA, three brothers: Richard Murray of Attleborough MA, Robert Murray of Homosassa FL, and James Murray of Douglasville GA, three sisters: Patricia Wallace of Plymouth MA, Betty Lou Haife of South Attleborough MA, and one sister Carol Jett of Foster RI.

Doris is survived by her former husband, Alan H Driscoll, her three sons and their wives: Clifford Cehelsky and Donna Cehelsky (LaFlamme), Jeffrey Cehelsky and Jennifer Cehelsky (Scott), Dennis and Teri Cehelsky (Manzi), and her 6 Cehelsky grandchildren: Benjamin, Brent, Nicholas, Hannah, Carly, and Jackson.

A memorial service along with a celebration of life service will be held on Saturday September 26th at 11:30am at the RI Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery, 301 South County Trail, Exeter, RI 02822.

The family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the exceptional staff at Broward Health North Hospital in Pompano Beach FL.

Contributions in Doris’ honor can be made to:

Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery

301 South County Trail

Exeter RI 02822