Doris S. Van Gorder

Doris S. Van Gorder, age 92, of Springfield, VA, passed away peacefully September 17, 2025. She was born August 18, 1933 in Phoebus, Virginia to Walter and Evelyn Sumrell. Upon graduating from Maury High School in Norfolk, she began work as a secretary at the Norfolk Naval Base where she met and married her love, Eugene George Van Gorder in September 1952. Doris and Eugene (Stanley) had three children and relocated to Springfield, Virginia where Doris relished her role as a mother, homemaker and loving wife. When her children reached their teens, Doris went back to work part time as a secretary at Walker Electric and Realty Companies that she enjoyed well into her 70s.

Doris was a dedicated mother and wife foremost. She treasured her children and embraced every moment with them and was a source of strength and support to all of them her entire life. Her favorite joy in life was hosting family gatherings and get togethers at her home or their cabin in the mountains of Strasburg. Family was the most important thing to her as was her relationships with her loving and caring neighbors and friends. Doris was a kind, thoughtful and generous soul who touched many lives.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Eugene, much too early in 1995, her sister, Lois Taylor, her son, Danny Van Gorder and her daughter-in-law, Melody Van Gorder.

Doris is survived by her son, Dennis Van Gorder, daughter, Sherry Murray (Patrick), daughter-in-law Nancy Van Gorder (wife of Danny) and numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. All of these she loved and touched deeply.

A visitation for Doris will be held Friday, September 26, 2025 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM at Demaine Funeral Home, 5308 Backlick Road, Springfield, VA 22151 followed by a Celebration of Life service from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM. A committal service will occur Friday, September 26, 2025 from 3:00 PM to 3:30 PM at National Memorial Park, 7482 Lee Highway, Falls Church, VA 22042.