Doris Caroline Sammarco

July 24, 1926 - May 28, 2021
Doris Caroline Sammarco

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Doris Caroline Sammarco, 94, of Leland, NC passed away peacefully on Friday, May 28th.

Born in Jersey City, NJ on July 24th of 1926 to Walter Jensen and Caroline Heinlein, Doris is survived by her loving husband Rudolph Orlando Sammarco, her loving son James Edward Sammon, his wife Juliet Sammon, and her stepdaughter Anne Marie House. Grandchildren include Katherine Cortes, Jessica Anne House, Mallory Lynne House, and James Rudy Sammon. Doris’ sister, Marion Pisano, and Doris’ brother, Edward Jensen, preceded her in death.

Doris raised her son as a single mother before that was common, modeling unconditional love and resilience. She worked as a Secretary for Bristol Babcock in New York City. When Doris met Rudy in 1972, they quickly became a couple and married the following year. Their first home was in Fair Lawn, NJ. When Doris and Rudy retired, they sold that home and moved into their “weekend home” in the Poconos. With not enough to keep them entertained, they sold the Pocono home and moved to a 55+ development in Belvidere, NJ, but because they never thought of themselves as being over 55, they moved again to a single family home the sunshine state of Florida. And although they loved it there, Florida was just too many miles from family, so they moved again to Virginia (to narrow the gap) and then somehow, moved again, finally settling in beautiful Leland. Anyone would think that with so many moves, these two were in the witness protection program! But actually, they were making and collecting friendships along the way. Doris took a genuine interest in almost everyone she has ever met and her memory is one to be admired! She is absolutely incredible! Right up until last week, Doris was still reaching out to friends from all over the states! That being said, Doris will be missed by so many.

Doris’ family will receive visitors at Wilmington Funeral & Cremation Leland Chapel, 525 Village Road Leland, NC 28451 on Wednesday, June 2, from 1pm-3pm and 5pm-7pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church at 412 Ann Street Wilmington, NC 28401 on Wednesday, June 2, at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Foundation at 1414 Physicians Drive, Wilmington, NC 28401.

Please share memories and condolences with the family by clicking on the “Post a Condolence” tab below.

Wilmington Funeral & Cremation,525 Village Road Leland, NC 28451 910-383-3511

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  • May 31, 2021
    Jeff & Renee Thalmann says:
    We will always remember Doris as a sweet & loving person who went out of her way to ask "how you're doing" and to say a kind word. We loved her & Rudy very much as good friends & neighbors, and we will certainly miss her.

  • June 01, 2021
    Dwayne and Cat Wolf says:
    We loved Doris very much and are grateful to have had her in our lives. We will miss her dearly and our hearts go out to Rudy, and her family, including Jenny.

  • June 01, 2021
    Rick & Dorothy Schneider says:
    When we moved into Waterford (knowing very few people) Doris and Rudy invited us and another couple to their home for dinner, and we became fast friends. Whenever we walk past their home (almost daily) we stop to chat and catch up. Doris always remembered what we shared and would ask about our families. Her recall and sense of humor were amazing! We (as well as our daughter, grandson and dog) will miss her terribly. Rest In Peace, Doris!

  • June 01, 2021
    Scott and Kathy Keck says:
    Doris was a sweet friend and neighbor for many years. She will be greatly missed!

  • June 01, 2021
    David and Grisel says:
    RIP Doris. Our deepest sympathies to Rudy, Jim (Julie), Anne and grandchildren.

  • June 02, 2021
    Bruce Hammond and Karen Ary says:
    Though we only knew each other a short while we grew very fond of Rudy and Doris. Doris shared joy and love of life with everyone and she will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Rudy and the family.

  • June 02, 2021
    Betty & Mike Driscoll says:
    During the short time we’ve lived next door, we have been fortunate to enjoy many visits with Doris and Rudy, sharing a glass of wine and lots of stories and laughs. We will greatly miss Doris’ smile, sense of humor, and genuine warmth towards everyone.

  • June 02, 2021
    Maria & Mike Lambrix says:
    Doris and Rudy the neighborhood couple that introduced everyone to new friends on the street. She will be missed as will our visits and shared glasses of wine. Doris was amazing with all the information and travels in her life she never skipped a beat when telling stories. RIP sweet lady we will miss you.

  • June 02, 2021
    Daniel J Jensen says:
    My Dear Aunt Doris remained positive, active, bright, and alert right up to her final days. When I would talk to her on the phone from Florida, although I'm sure she was in a lot of pain, she seemed to be enjoying every minute of the conversation. I wish we lived closer so that we could share more intimately in the celebration of Aunt Doris' Life and to be of comfort to Rudy, Jimmy and Anne. I'm sure her beloved dog Jenny misses her terribly as we all do. We rejoice however in knowing that she is now in the hands of our loving Savior, and in the presence of all her loved ones who have gone before her.

  • June 02, 2021
    Ken(Stoney) &Linda Stone says:
    We will miss you our friend what great neighbor you were to us and others. Friendship is so great, We love you both .She is at Peace Now. Your Friends Linda & Stoney God Bless You.

  • June 02, 2021
    Earlene and Dion Spencer says:
    Our thoughts and prayers are with Rudy and family during this very difficult time. Doris was an amazing person who extended love to all who know her. She never met a stranger, and she had a way as to make you feel as though you were family. Our nephews, whom Doris always inquired of, are sending love and prayers to the family. Doris was the young Mother to the Waterfall Way circle, and now the circle is broken. Rest with God, sweet angel.

  • June 02, 2021
    Marty Cellio says:
    My deepest condolences Rudy and family. Doris was truly a very special lady. She would ask “How are you?”, and actually mean it. She cared. Beautiful lady, inside and out. Heaven has gained an angel. I will miss her. Much love,

  • June 04, 2021
    Elena. Jensen says:
    Rudy, Jimmy, Anne Marie and all caring relatives and friends who shared in Doris' life: It was with great sorrow that I learned about her demise. No doubt, my loss pales in comparison to yours. Doris had a way of magnetizing you into her circle of love and that circle never broke throughout the years when time and distance would drift us apart. Upon reconnecting with her the last few years of her life I realized that the bond was still strong as ever. I will always remember her for this. Now, my prayer for you is that her love sends you peace and comfort throughout your life. Sending you love and comforting hugs...Elena.

  • August 04, 2021
    Scott M. Lang says:
    My deepest sympathies to you Great Uncle Rudy. I wish I could have spent more time getting to know you and Aunt Doris more. My family will keep you all in our prayers. Please feel free to contact me. My number is 315 776 1455