Doris Mae Bair

On the evening of August 3, 2024, Doris Mae Bair, 98, of New Cumberland, was surrounded by family as she was welcomed into her heavenly home.

Doris was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, on February 16, 1926, to the late John and Ella (Gayvert) Simcox. While living in McKeesport, she worked in a candy shop, at Sears and Roebuck’s in the ordering department and at Blue Cross in Pittsburgh, and as a nurse’s assistant at McKeesport Hospital. She would retire after 21 years of employment at PUC (PA Public Utility Commission) in Harrisburg as an administrative assistant. Doris was currently residing at Viva Senior Living in Harrisburg, PA. 

Doris was a faithful follower who loved the Lord and set an example for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Doris was survived by her children, Rev. Dr. John K. Smith and his wife Patty of Chambersburg, and Eloise (Ellie) Kemmerling and her husband Randy of Harrisburg; five grandchildren, Aaron Smith and wife Annette, Matthew Smith and wife Stephanie, Miranda Shipp and husband Chad, Jonathan Smith and wife Stella, Randy Kemmerling and wife Amber; nine great-grandchildren, Kylie, Adin, Kierra, Tobias, Maisy, Emma, Rebecca, Zoey, and Maverick; and three sisters, Sigrid Sunday, Nancy Coryell, and Jonelle Edwards and her husband, John. Throughout the course of life, she was widowed by two husbands, John M. Smith (22 years of marriage) and David N. Bair (33 years).

Doris loved her Savior, the Lord Jesus, with all her heart, and she loved God’s Word. Though she was a humble, gentle woman, Doris was nonetheless a powerful prayer warrior, and only heaven knows what a wonderful and eternal impact all her many years of faithful praying have had on her family, her friends, and the world at large. She was a member at Trinity on Bridge, New Cumberland, and a past member of Community United Methodist Church. 

Her love of the Lord shone brightly through her daily devotions. Over the years, Doris organized The Daily Bread for Community United Methodist Church, sang in the church choir, was a choir director, Sunday School teacher, and Youth Fellowship leader. She participated in the New Cumberland Womens’ Group and New Cumberland Senior Center. 

Doris was an inspiration to everyone she met as she shared “Hope” to those around her. She was an avid reader who loved her daily coffee, music, cardinals, collecting bears (Bair), playing card games, and most recently, playing Uno at Viva Senior Living. She cherished and relived every memory she had with family and friends.

In Doris’ words, “May you have good days, until I see you again.” 

Viewing will be from 9AM until funeral services at 11AM on Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Trinity on Bridge with Rev. Arun Andrews officiating. Burial will follow in Rolling Green Cemetery, Lower Allen Township.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are requested to Trinity on Bridge, 415 Bridge Street, New Cumberland, PA 17070.