Doris Alda Brinson

Brinson, Doris A. MADISON – Doris Alta Brinson, age 94, died peacefully with her loving daughter at her side at Heritage Senior Living Facility in Monona on Saturday March 28, 2015. Doris was born on April 5, 1920, and would have celebrated her 95th birthday this Easter Sunday. The daughter of Bessie (Bewick) and Henry Shadel, Doris grew up and lived most of her life in Madison. She graduated from Madison West High School and Madison Business College before beginning a career in 1947 as a stenographer for the company executives of Farmers Mutual Insurance Company, now known as American Family Insurance on Madison’s east side. Upon her marriage to Dave in 1950, she left the work world briefly to begin what was Doris’ true love, her family. As her family grew up, Doris returned to American Family, retiring in 1982 to once again fully enjoy spending time with her children, grandchildren and husband, who was the love of her life, her golf partner and travel companion. Doris' family grew to include three great grandchildren. It was evident throughout her life that her family was the most important part of her life, not always by her words (the most memorable being “wait until your dad gets home,” as she never could bring herself to punish her children's sometimes out-of-line behavior), but more so through her actions and lessons taught. Doris was truly a role model and the “glue” that held the family together through good times and bad. For that, there are no words to express her family’s gratitude. Doris was a lifelong member and supporter of Madison’s Luther Memorial Church. Doris is survived by her three devoted children, Diane (Bob Spector) Brinson of Madison, David (Judi) Brinson of Marysville, Ohio, Darrel (Janice) Brinson of Janesville; her four beloved grandchildren, Stephanie (Patrick) Fuller of Union, Ky., Matthew Brinson of Milwaukee, and Ethan Noles and Meagan Noles of Madison; and three precious great-grandchildren, Molly, James and Alex Fuller. Doris is also survived by her sister-in-law, Jeannette Berry (Thomas Berry); and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, David L. Brinson; her parents; sisters, Edna, Evelyn and Marie; and grandson, Colin Noles. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at noon, on Saturday, April 4, 2015, with the Rev. Brad Pohlman presiding. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park in Monona. Visitation for friends and family will be held at the funeral home from 10:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, Doris’ family requests that donations be made to Agrace HospiceCare, Fitchburg, Wis. or the Alzheimer's and Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin. Doris’ family also expresses its gratitude to the staffs of Heritage Monona and Agrace Hospice for the kind and loving care given Doris. "Mom, please give our love to Dad and, until we meet again, you both are forever in our hearts and memories," Dave, Darrel and Diane. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420