On Thursday, November 14, 2019, Doris Herdman Knowles, loving mother of two children and 10 grandchildren passed away at the age of 92. Doris was born on September 19, 1927 at Mountainside Hospital to Arthur and Leonia Jacobs Herdman. She is predeceased by her sister Ruth Buttel. Doris is survived by her husband Harry and two sons Wade and Kurt, and her daughter-in-law, Leslie Knowles. She leaves behind a legacy of Knowles grandchildren Kurt Jr., Keri, Kylee, Devon, Tyler, Lark, Trevor, Austin, Morgan, and Bennett.
Doris met the love of her life, Harry Knowles, Jr., while as teenagers working in her mother’s restaurant, the Robin Hood Inn. After Harry returned from serving as a fighter pilot in WWII, they were married on July 26, 1947. For 72 years, the two shared a long lifetime of love and work together in marriage and business.
A great force in both establishing and running the family business, she, together with Harry, founded The Manor of West Orange, NJ and went on to further expand their restaurant and hospitality operations. Included among them are Highlawn Pavilion, Pleasantdale Chateau, and the Marriott Residence Inn at The Manor, all also in West Orange. An internationally-recognized restaurateur couple, the two were so closely bonded sharing a passionate pursuit of their life’s work, often pioneering many industry innovations. They traveled the world together, with countless epicurean explorations, applying the experiences to refine their business. As the matriarch of her family, Doris was the driving force behind so many beloved festive family traditions.
A private memorial for immediate family will be held. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18