Doris R. Gough

Doris R. Gough, 90, of Hatboro, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 25, 2019, with her family at her side. Born March 13, 1929, in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of William and Margaret (McCrea) McFarland, Northern Irish immigrants. From her parents, she developed a love of the bagpipes. When she was finally able to travel to Ireland after her children were grown, it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream.

After a short courtship with Charles H. Gough, Jr., her brother Bill’s close friend, Doris and “Charlie” were married on January 3, 1949. Intending to elope, they drove to Maryland only to find out that they needed their parents’ permission to marry, so they returned to Philadelphia to get their mothers! How they laughed when they reminisced about their “wedding!” After 66 years together, Charlie preceded Doris in death in April, 2015. 

Doris and Charlie welcomed five children into their family to whom they devoted their lives. Doris was a dedicated mother first and foremost. Her happiest times were when the family was together.

Doris is survived by four of her children and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will miss her spunk and her stubbornness, but most of all, her unconditional love. She especially delighted in her role as grandmom and doted over her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Returning to work once her children were in school, Doris worked as a retail clerk at Gimbel’s Department Store in Cheltenham and later at Wanamaker’s and Strawbridge’s where she worked until her retirement. Doris’ coworkers became very good friends, and they spent many years enjoying luncheons that went on late into the afternoon, birthday celebrations together and lots of phone calls!

Doris and Charlie cherished vacations at the shore with their children and their families. Doris loved the ocean and the time spent with her family in Avalon, Sea Isle City and later at Pier 4 in Somers Point, New Jersey. When she returned to Philadelphia, there was no doubt she always left a bit of her heart at the shore!

Doris is survived by her four children who she loved dearly: Charles H. Gough, III (Rene), Robert W. Gough (Nancy), David Gough (Wayne), and Margaret Gough. She was also a beloved grandmom and great-grandmom to her six grandchildren: Charles H. Gough, IV (Jen), Raymond (Tracey) Gough, Jason Gough (Katy), Zachary Gough (Autumn), Cody (Casey) Gough and Hannah Gough. Her special blessings were her great-grandchildren: Chase, Raimon, Connor, Medea, Athena and Lovisa Gough, and Nicholas, Chaz and Josh Gumble.

No remembrance of Doris’ life would be complete without including her caring and loving nieces and nephews and their children who meant the world to her. Diane (Ray) Baker, Sandy DeLuca, William (Antoinette) McFarland, Cindy (John) Murphy, and Scott (Lyn) McFarland. Doris was a very special great-aunt to Susan (John) Baker, Sarah Baker, Matt DeLuca, Billy, Steven, David, Toni, Bobby, Johnny, Jessica, Ally, Kelly and Nikki McFarland; she was a proud great-great aunt to Aidan, Fiona, Jude, Liam, Mackenzie and Quinn Ott.

Doris is also survived by many extended family members, her dear friend, Susan Moore, and her family in Canada and in Ireland whose visits she always looked forward to and who she loved to correspond with via old fashioned letters sent through the mail!

Doris is predeceased by her daughter, Susan, brother and sister-in-law, William and Ruth McFarland, her sister, Martha Reid, nephew, Billy Hastings and best friend, Carol Schaible.

Doris and Charlie traveled to Rockford, Illinois, over 100 times during the past 48 years to visit their son, Robert, and his family. The many friends Doris made in Rockford over the years will be remembering her in a memorial service to be held at Argyle Presbyterian Church in Caledonia, Illinois, on Friday, August 23. A dinner will be held after the service to allow family and friends to share their memories of Doris and of the great times shared with Doris and Charlie in Rockford.  

In honor of Doris, who always kept her Bible near her bed or chair, please reflect on this verse when fondly remembering her—an inspirational teaching that she felt was needed now more than ever.   Ephesians 4:32 “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”

A private family memorial service celebrating Doris’ life will be held at Schneider Funeral Home in Hatboro, Pennsylvania. In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to: Muscular Dystrophy Association National Office, 161 N. Clark, Suite 3550, Chicago, IL 60601 or online at mda.org.

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