Doris M. (Suda) Crain

Doris M. Crain (Suda), 69, of Bear, DE, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, August 4, 2024.  Originally from New Castle, DE, Doris graduated from Willam Penn High School in 1972.

Doris can be best described as a “badass” who faced challenges head-on with tenacity, strength, grace, and wit.  Doris became a single mother at 17 which fueled her determination to better herself and learn the lucrative skill of pipefitting to support her family.  Because pipefitting was traditionally known as a male-dominated field, Doris became one of the first female pipefitters in Pipefitters Local 80 (n/k/a UA Local 74).  In the mid-80’s Doris began working at General Motors (and became a member of the UAW) where she worked until she retired in 1999 due to health issues. Doris had many health challenges including heart issues, diabetes, and most notably she was a breast cancer survivor.  Despite her health, Doris lived life to the fullest.  Doris enjoyed the beach, eating crabs, cooking, baking, collecting anything that she was into at the moment, faithfully dressing up and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day every year (even though she was Polish and never hesitated to remind you), giving unsolicited advice, and expressing her opinion without filter.  Doris never hesitated to tell you how she felt or where you stood with her.  Ironically, that was one of her most endearing qualities.  Above all else, Doris enjoyed spending time with her family.  Regardless of whether you were related by blood or someone she considered family, Doris’ door and heart were always open.  Doris will be missed by the many people who had the joy of knowing her.

Doris was predeceased by the love of her life, her husband William A. Crain; her parents William J. Suda, Sr. and Marie G. McNatt Suda; her brother William J. Suda, Jr.; and her first husband Willis D. Frederick, in addition to numerous other close friends and family.  She is survived by her only child, her daughter Tina McNett (Greg); grandsons Jacob McNett (Lacy) and Aaron McNett; bonus daughters Lisa Dowell (John) and LouAnne Molinaro and their children; her “sister” Pam Ohlinger and family; sisters-in-law Cyndie Boyles and Kim Dugan; brother-in-law John Crain (Dana); and many nieces, nephews, and all the other kids who were blessed to call her “Nana”.

A viewing will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024 from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of Fatima Catholic Church, 801 North duPont Boulevard, New Castle, DE 19720.  Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 am. Interment will be private at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to William Penn High School football at https://form.jotform.com/221154912305143 or to the Helen F. Graham Cancer Center at Donate Now - Christiana Care Health System. Donations to Helen G. Graham Cancer Center may also be mailed to: Christiana Care, Office of Philanthropy, 4000 Nexus Drive, Suite W3-300, Wilmington, DE 19803

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