Doris Frederick ’47 Failing

Doris Jean Frederick Failing, 98, passed away on Monday, December 25, 2023, at her home in Wilmington, NC surrounded by her loving family.

She was born August 23, 1925, in Schenectady, NY, the daughter of the late Harvey J. Frederick and Vesta Feichter Frederick.

Doris was preceded in death by her son, Bruce R. Failing and by her brother, Richard Frederick.

She is survived by her husband of 76 years, Robert C. Failing and her two daughters, Linda J. Clover of Wilmington, NC and Barbara A. Failing of Monroe, NC and her son, Brian R. Failing of Charlotte, NC.

Doris graduated from Draper High School, Schenectady, NY in 1943. She attended Hope College, Holland Michigan from 1943-1945. Doris and Robert married on February 22, 1947, after which they resided in Schenectady, NY until 1954. They moved their family to Waynesboro, VA in 1954 where they resided until 1968. During their years in VA, Doris went back to work as a school secretary and then as a school librarian while she was pursuing to finish her college degree.

The family moved to Wilmington, NC in 1968, where Doris became a full-time student at UNCW. She graduated in June 1970 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in education. After graduation, Doris taught in the New Hanover County School System for six years and then became the school librarian at Trask Middle School where she remained until her retirement in 1990.

Doris was not one to sit around after retiring, she became a volunteer at Cape Fear Memorial Hospital in the surgical waiting room for 20 years.

She was a loving wife and mother and always put her family first. She was a devoted and active member of Windermere Presbyterian Church since 1968. She treasured her church family and friends. Doris served as President of the Women of the Church. She received an Honorary Lifetime Membership from the Presbyterian Women of the church in May 1995.

Doris enjoyed traveling, water aerobics, and was an avid reader. She became a seasonal ticket holder for UNCW – Seahawks and attended all the home basketball games since 1990.