Doris Neiditch Guss, of 91 years, born to William and Pearl Neiditch, in Chicago, December 16, 1909, died gently in her beloved home, Saturday, April 14, 2001.
In 1916, seeking the American Dream, her parents, with Doris and siblings in tow, traveled westward to 'homestead' 160 acres of farmland in Dairy Creek, Idaho. Eventually, Ogden, Utah, then Salt Lake City became the family headquarters.
At the sparkling age of 17, on June 17, 1927, she married her cherished husband, Sam Guss, a hard working ambitious young man, an immigrant from Wlodova, Poland, with whom she shared a loving life of 57 years. For these last 17 years she has mourned the 1984 death of her beloved Sam, but her unflagging thoughts and memory of him kept his presence always with her, and continued to inspire in her the tender and lively beauty of life and family.
The young Doris, at business school, studied typing, short hand, and accounting, which valuable skills made her the complete and indispensable partner to Sam Guss as he created and managed the family business, Jordan Meat & Livestock Co.
In her mature, viable years she was a busy and tireless volunteer for religious and human relations activities. She involved herself in programs which taught public school students lessons of respect and understanding for different cultures and religions.
In pursuit of humanitarian goals, she was a leader in the work of the Anti-Defamation League, was past president of B'nai B'rith Women, Talmud Torah, and Congregation Montifiore Sisterhood. The League of Women Voters was also a beneficiary of her actions and talents.
For most of her years, Doris had the joy of having her four children, their spouses and their offspring, all living near her in the Salt Lake City area. She was the core, the center, the true revered matriarch of that extended family -- a family who adored her, and a family whom she daily influenced with a subtle and velvet hand.
With a passion, Doris loved her garden, her home, both of which were meticulously kept in every detail. Just as she sought order in her surroundings, she sought to create an aura of order, love, and respect within her family, and among her many friends. Wise and witty, kind to all and generous, she reveled in the wonders and experiences of life. Many, so many, family and friends alike, will remember the warm embrace of her sympathetic understanding, and unconditional kindness.
With the great pain and sorrow of a mother, she suffered the death of her eldest daughter, Vivian Shapiro, and that of her only son, Irvin Guss. The loss of her sisters, Fannie Pepper, and Helen Pfeiffer brought sorrow into her life.
Everyday, prayer was her solace and comfort; and every day the companionship of prayer evoked her love and concern for her dear ones, those here and those departed.
Doris is survived by her two daughters, Shirlee Hertz (Fred), and Pauline Wolke; also her daughter-in-law, Jeri Guss, and her son-in-law, Joel B. Shapiro, and her very special nephew, Phillip Pepper, and her good friend and neighbor, Berniece Eisen.
She delighted in her grandchildren Melissa and Tim Hoffelmeyer, Nadine and Clayton Johnson, Allison Hertz, Shauna and John Carpenter, Mikael Wolke, Devra and Lane Andersen, Alex and Lavine Shapiro, Eric and Sara Shapiro, and Daniel and Robin Shapiro.
Nine great grandchildren sparkled in her eyes: Samuel, Jessica, Jacob, Josua, Andrew, Nathaniel, Kyleene, Kira, and Justin.
For the attentive care she received, the family expresses its thanks to her solicitous physician, and to her care takers, Miriam Sosa, and Diane Lane.
The family suggest that memorial contributions may be sent to the 'Vivian Shapiro Library Fund,' c/o Congregation Kol Ami, 2425 East Heritage way, Salt Lake City, 84109.
Funeral services will be Tuesday, April 17, at 1:30 p.m., at Evans & Early Mortuary, 574 East 100 South. Interment at Montifiore Cemetery.