Irene Doris Hirzel

Irene Doris Hirzel passed from this life on Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at the age of 94. Doris was born on 4/28/1925 in Philadelphia, PA. She was the daughter of Eva D. Keilman Bender and Irwin M. Bender. In addition to her parents, Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin F. Hirzel, her brother Robert Irvin Bender, her dear sister-in-law and lifelong friend, Jeanne Hirzel Feathers, her dear first cousin and lifelong friend, June Weigand King, and many dear friends and relatives who went before her. Doris was a graduate of Upper Darby High School. Doris married Edwin F. Hirzel on 9/28/1946 following his return from serving in the Pacific in World War II. They enjoyed life, raised two children, and spent almost 47 wonderful years together. Ed worked for the B&O Railroad and they lived in many and varied places throughout their married life--Philadelphia, PA, Washington, DC, Huntington, WV, Bridgeport, WV and Winchester, VA. Doris and Ed moved to the Villages in 1990. Doris was employed as a typist for the Pennsylvania Railroad; as a restaurant hostess; as a nurse's aide and home health aide; as a bookkeeper for the Holiday Inn in Winchester, VA; and as office manager for the Winchester and Western Railroad in Winchester, VA. Doris and Ed were active members of the Southside Church of Christ for the 18 years they lived in Winchester, VA. Upon moving to the Villages, they joined the Wildwood Church of Christ and Doris was an active member there until age 93. For several years in the 1990's, Doris was an active member of a neighborhood crafts group, which she dearly loved. She enjoyed walking and she walked and attended water exercise until age 90. She attended exercise classes at MVP until age 93. Doris made and maintained friendships throughout her life in every place she lived. She had a beautiful smile and she was there for many in their time of need. She was a fantastic cook and enjoyed preparing meals for family and friends. She sent handwritten cards and thank you notes until she suffered a stroke at age 93. Doris found loving companionship with Harold Obenhofer for many years after Ed's death. Doris and Harold enjoyed many trips together, enjoyed spending time with each other's families and friends, and they especially enjoyed having each evening meal together and playing double solitaire. Doris is survived by a daughter, Nancy J. Hirzel (Diana Cormier); a son, David E. Hirzel (Alice Cochran); and her dear friend and companion of 22 years, Harold Obenhofer. She is also survived by three nephews (Robert Bruce Bender, Kenneth Bender, and Edward Feathers) and a niece, Ruth J. Feathers. Doris would want to give thanks to God and her family and all of her many friends who shared life, walking, dinners, stories, travels, and companionship throughout her life. Visitation will be at Beyer's Funeral Home in Lady Lake on Tuesday, May 28, 2019 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. A Celebration of Life will be held at Wildwood Church of Christ on Friday, June 14, 2019 at 11:00 a.m. followed by lunch. Interment will be private at the Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell, FL. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to Wildwood Church of Christ, Cornerstone Hospice, or the charity of your choice. Arrangements entrusted to Beyers Funeral Home and Crematory, Lady Lake, FL.

Irene Doris Hirzel

April 28, 1925 - May 21, 2019