Doris L. Kayser, longtime social worker

Doris (Dorie) L. Kayser, 95, of Lewes, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 25, 2023, of congestive heart failure. She was born Nov. 20, 1927, in Rochester, Pa., and eventually moved with her family to University City, Mo.

As a young woman, Dorie lived in California attending San Francisco State University and the University of California, Berkeley, where she completed her master's in social work. Dorie was involved in several major child welfare projects throughout her career, and in her later years was a leader in medical social work at Los Angeles General Hospital. She was a pioneer in the field of social work, developing structures that would influence the profession on a national level. 

Dorie moved to Long Neck in 2002 and married her loving partner, Jean Houck (deceased), May 15, 2015.

Dorie is survived by two nephews, Allan and Brook. She considered her loving family of friends her true survivors. Dorie was a champion for social justice and was delighted by the accomplishments of the LGBTQ community. She was an avid reader and bridge player, and was a member of St. George’s Chapel in Harbeson. Her quick wit and extraordinary generosity of spirit were made obvious by the twinkle in her eye which will be missed by all who knew her.

A private ceremony will be held to honor her life.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at delawarehospice.org/donate.