Doris Bence, age 81, passed away peacefully, Tuesday, August 12, 2025 at St. Andrews Village. Doris lived a life defined by kindness, generosity, and an unwavering love for her family. Born in Indiana on February 22, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Helen and Lawrence Brocious. Doris was the wife of the late Gerson Bence, whom she married on June 22, 1963. Together they raised four children.
A gifted cook and gracious host, Doris found joy in preparing meals that brought people together. Her kitchen was a place of comfort, laughter, and countless memories. She had a remarkable gift for sharing – not just food, but her time, wisdom, and her heart.
She loved traveling when she could. She enjoyed exploring both new destinations and the familiar surroundings in FL, OR, and TX where her family resides. She especially cherished cruising with her sister, Barb, and brother, Dwight (and families), creating memories filled with laugher and love.
Doris’s greatest joy came from being surrounded by her children and grandchildren, whose lives she enriched with her gentle spirit and boundless affection. Her legacy lives on in the love she gave so freely and the warmth she brought to every room she entered.
Doris was a lifetime member of the New Life Lutheran Church of Marion Center.
She is survived by her children: Debra Burkhart (Doug), Indiana; Gregory Bence (Holly), Sugar Land, TX; Connie Bence, Indiana; and Jeffrey Bence (Telena), Corvalis, OR.
She is also remembered by her six grandchildren who were her pride and joy: Emily Bence, Aaron Burkhart, Elizabeth Bence, Hayden Bence, Trista Bence, and Samuel Bence.
Other surviving family members include her sister and best friend, Barbara Brocious, Indiana; Brother, Dwight Brocious (Margie), Dixonville, and sister in-law, Sylvia (Dick) Bothell.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Helen and Lawrence Brocious, sister, Verna Smith, brother, Robert Brocious, infant Grandson, Benjamin Bence, and her husband, Gerson Bence.
Friends will be received Thursday, August 14th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at the Rairigh-Bence Funeral Home & Crematory, 965 Phila. St., Indiana… Visitation will also be held Friday morning from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the New Life Lutheran Church, Marion Center, where her funeral service will begin at eleven o’clock. Rev. Jackie Greene, a family friend will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to New Life Lutheran Church or New Life Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 219, Marion Center, PA 15759.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff at St. Andrews Personal Care Village that cared for Doris with love and respect, as well as to the compassionate Hospice team of the Visiting Nurses Association of Indiana for their kindness and support.
Online condolences may be made by visiting: rbfh.net .
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