Doris H. Rochester

Doris Helena Rochester 85, a native of Queen Anne's County Maryland departed this life on Thursday, January 21, 2016 at her home in Pondtown, Maryland. She was born in Ingleside (Roberts) Maryland to the late Conrad A. Rochester and Mary V. Adams Rochester. She was the fifth child of 10 children. She was preceded in death by her brothers Asbury, John and Clark Rochester. Sisters, Emma Mae Gibbs, Frances Major Miller, Mary E. Wright, Mammie O. Tucker, Daisy Brown & adopted sister Frances Brown, son Kenneth C. Brooks & great-grandson Devon Wright. Doris received her early childhood education in the public schools system of Queen Anne's County and was a graduate of Kennard High School in 1948. She furthered her education at Delaware State University which afforded her the opportunity to exercise her skills as a third and fourth grade teacher. She also attended Chesapeake College where she received certificates of completion in mentoring, foster parent and adult care education. Mother Rochester was formerly employed at Campbell's Soup Company, General Food (Kraft Heinz) until she retired. She later opened her residence to foster care and mentor adolescents and the elderly. As a mother, she raised and nurtured five children. Donald, Kenneth (deceased), Glenn, Mary, Terrance and grandson Tre'Monte. She was also a parent to Elmer (Buck) Wright and the late Keith Jackson. She was a mother to many. Mother Rochester enjoyed life and loved to shop. She particularly enjoyed shopping for hats and shoes and wore them very well! Mother Rochester's salvation experience began in 1976 at Bethel AME Church, Churchhill, Maryland under the tutelage of Rev. A. Mitchell and she furthered her spiritual development at Faith Unity Fellowship Ministries, Inc., in 1993 under the leadership of Bishop Robert M. Pritchett, Jr. until her passing. During her salvation experience she was recognized and honored for her excellence in various positions held such as: Mother of the church, Christian Education Department, Task Force Committee, Foster Parent, Deacon, Missionary and President of the Usher Board. Throughout the years, Mother Rochester had been an inspiration to her family, community and Faith Unity Fellowship Church family. She was faithful, dedicated and loyal. Always willing to visit the sick, shut in and the needy. Offering encouraging words and words of wisdom. Mother was known for never being one lost for words. Mother Rochester always gave all honor to God for what he has been and done for her throughout her life. She leaves to cherish her memory her children, Donald W. Brooks (Elizabeth) Newark, DE, Glenn A. Brooks (Faith) Champlain, VA, Mary Ashley-Butler & Terrance D. Brooks, Pondtown, MD. Sister, Diane Rochester; Uncle Robert Rochester, Sr. (Joyce), Aunt Lucille Rochester all of Philadelphia, PA; one sister-in-law Janet Rochester, Churchill, MD; one daughter-in-law Janice Brooks, Wilmington, DE; two brothers-in-law, William Brown, Pondtown, MD and George Tucker Sr., Glassboro, NJ; 17 grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; godchildren, Howard and Maude Kennedy and George Lomax; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins & friends. She also leaves behind special friends, Ms. Anna Mae Thornton and Ms. Ann Mae Dorsey. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Doris H. Rochester, please visit our Heartfelt Sympathies Store.

Doris H. Rochester

April 19, 1930 - January 21, 2016