Doris Smith Chriswell, 96, devoted wife, loving mother and grandmother passed away on September 3, 2024 after a brief illness with cancer. She was predeceased by her husband William Chriswell and daughters Donna and Janet.

She is survived by her three remaining children: William (Laure) Chriswell, Beth (Andrew) Gajewski, Joan (Doug) Mitchell and grandchildren: Christopher (Nikki Bashaw) Chriswell, Jason (Jen) Gajewski, Benjamin (Whitney Carleton) Gajewski, Sarah (Paul) Matharoo, Brian (Callahan) Mitchell, Matthew Mitchell and five great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister, Marilyn Merritt and several nieces  and nephews.

Doris was born in Brooklyn, New York. Her family moved to Buffalo when she was a child and later in her teenage years, settled in Palmyra, where she lived for the rest of her life. She graduated from the State Teacher's College in Geneseo with a degree in Elementary Education. Her career began in Marion as a kindergarten teacher but she spent the majority of her career in the Palmyra Macedon School District as a third grade teacher, eventually retiring in 1989. She loved teaching and she loved her students.

Doris was a lifelong gardener and had a passion for perennials. She enjoyed her ever-changing and ever-expanding gardens as she found new types of flowers to add each season.

A love of travel was something she and Bill shared. Together they explored the United States and Canada, often camping in state and national parks. Her favorite places to visit were the mountains and deserts of the West. After her husband passed she continued traveling with friends or in tour groups and visited many European countries.

The screened porch overlooking her backyard and gardens was a favorite place for hosting family gatherings, friends' birthday parties and church group picnics. Doris enjoyed the fellowship of many close friends and always looked forward to their card parties and other outings.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The National Parks Foundation or the Western Presbyterian Church. A graveside memorial service will be held at a later date. To share a special memory please visit www.murphyfuneralservices.com.