Doris May Ganzy

Doris May Ganzy (nee Bierwirth), 89, was received by our Lord and Savior, Wednesday, May 11, 2016. Doris is survived by her loving husband of 70 years, John and their son, Gregory Ganzy and daughter, Jo Anne Baker. Doris was also blessed with granddaughters , Kaitlin and Erin Baker, and grandsons Alexander Baker and Scott Ganzy. Doris was born to Harry & Rosa Bierwirth in Buffalo, NY to a loving family of two sisters, Rose (Distler) and Geri (Holt), who have preceded her in death. As part of the “Greatest Generation”, Doris went from a child during the Great Depression knowing poverty and adversity to enjoying a comfortable middle-class life-style, complete with a Ford Mustang from the early sixties to being the last car she owned.

In high school, Doris enjoyed playing basketball, roller skating, and socializing with her friends. She first met John at the roller rink when they were teenagers, but didn't date until after John came back from the war. After a whirlwind romance, they were married July 27th, 1946.

Doris worked as a telephone operator after high school through the first few years of marriage; she became a full-time homemaker when Gregory arrived.

Doris enjoyed traveling to spend time with her sisters and their children who lived in California and Oklahoma. She also enjoyed corresponding with all her friends, some of whom she'd known since grade school. Doris was a dedicated wife, mother, and Lutheran. She supported John in all his endeavors, including traveling to the family's country place every weekend no matter rain, sleet or snow; and moving from her hometown to Phoenix, AZ during their middle-age years. Doris' final years were spent living with John in a condo in Sunland Village East and bowling in a local league.

In her later years, Doris babysat her grandchildren until they were old enough for daycare. She enjoyed them so much and looked forward to their weekly visits as they grew older. Doris will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

A visitation with family and friends will be, Tuesday, May 31st from 5 to 8 pm at the Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park Cemetery Chapel, 6747 E. Broadway Road, Mesa, AZ 85206. A funeral service will be conducted the following morning, 11 a.m. at the Eternal Life Lutheran Church, 7025 E Main Street, Mesa, AZ. In lieu of flowers the family suggested contributions be made to the Eternal Life Church or Hospice of the Valley, East Valley, in honor of Doris. Please visit the mariposagardens.com website to view memories and leave condolences.

Arrangements under the direction of Mariposa Gardens Memorial Park and Funeral Care, Mesa, AZ.