Doreen was a beloved mother, grandmother, and teacher. Born in Brooklyn and educated at Brooklyn College, she was married in 1960 to Dr. Sheldon “Bud” Gertner (1927-2010). She and Bud settled in Berkeley Heights, NJ, where Doreen forged a career teaching kindergarten and first grade in the town’s public schools. She was immensely popular—a lively and warm presence in the educational and social community. She and Bud eventually retired to Lakewood, NJ, where they enjoyed the beach and a life of travel and leisure. After her husband’s passing, Doreen moved to Maplewood, NJ, to Winchester Gardens, and later to the Inglemoor nursing home, in Livingston, NJ.
She is survived by her three children, David, Patricia, and Jonathan; by her brother Jerry Kiel; and by six grandchildren. All of us will miss her warmth, curiosity, humor, intelligence, and loving temperament.
Donations can be made in her honor to Teach For America.