Tributes

Doris Lennon October 17, 1922 - December 3, 2023 Doris Mae Lennon, beloved mother, wife and talented singer, peacefully passed away on December 3, 2023 in her home in La Quinta, CA. Born on October 17, 1922 in Hagerstown, MD. to Mary Slayman, she grew up in Martinsburg, WV. Doris was adopted at age 4 by her dear parents, Allen and Ruth Link. From a young age, she displayed a remarkable talent for singing, capturing the hearts of her hometown as a gifted young vocalist. At the age of 18, she embarked on a journey to New York City, where she honed her skills at the prestigious Juilliard School of Music and graced the stages of the Big Apple with her enchanting voice. She even performed for the legendary composer, Richard Rogers who recognized her immense talent and offered her a role in a Rogers and Hammerstein musical. Following her dreams, Doris traveled across the country with a performing group and eventually settled in Hollywood, CA. It was there that she encountered the love of her life, well-known singer and boxing announcer, Jimmy Lennon. Doris and Jimmy exchanged vows in 1950 and together embarked on an incredible journey in Santa Monica, CA. They were blessed with three children, Robin, Scott, and Jimmy Jr., who survive her along with their spouses, Robert, Lynda and Christine. Doris also leaves behind a loving daughter, Kim Fitzgerald, as well as grandchildren: Ethan, Joel, Heather, Carson, James, Alex and great-grandson Tyler. Doris was not only a devoted mother and wife but also a formidable businesswoman. She joined forces with her husband in the real estate business, a venture in which she passionately embraced and thrived up to her final days. Doris found joy in every aspect of her life, cherishing her family, pursuing her love for music, and expressing herself through her extraordinary ability to connect with others. In her later years in La Quinta, Doris was cared for by a longtime family friend, Suzanne Gattenio, as she reveled in the sun, walked up to 2 miles a day in her favorite park, savored visits to restaurants and treasured her morning devotions with hot coffee. Most of all, she delighted in personal interactions with family, friends and just about anyone she encountered along the way as she never passed a stranger without saying "hello". Throughout her life, Doris always maintained a very positive attitude, feeling grateful for the remarkable life she had. From her rescue from the orphanage to her travels to New York and then her wonderful life in California, she considered herself truly blessed. Doris enjoyed amazing good health that lasted through her 101st birthday. Doris leaves behind a legacy of love, strength, faith, gratitude and positivity. Her memory will be forever cherished by her children and her adoring friends and family. She has now reunited with her beloved husband, Jimmy, in eternal peace. A memorial service to celebrate the life of Doris Lennon will be held on Saturday January 6, 2024, at 1:30 p.m. at Cornerstone Church, 1609 S. Barrington Ave, LA. 90066. Light refreshments will follow. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to Youth Assistance Coalition www.yacsd.org in honor of Doris's memory