Obituaries

Doris A. Kirsten, 94

June 10, 2025

Doris A. Kirsten passed on to be with her beloved Kenneth on June 10,2025, in Lancaster, PA, with her family by her side. Doris was born September 21, 1930 to James and Lilian McConnell, in Union city, NJ. At the age of one, the family moved to the Bronx, NY, from then on, she felt in her heart that she was a native New Yorker till the end.

She was educated in the New York Public School System, prior to graduation and following she worked for a Real Estate firm in Manhattan. Her love for New York, the sights, sounds, bridges, parks, museums and beaches never waivered. In July, 1954 she married Kenneth A, Kirsten and they moved to Lancaster, PA. and rented an apartment on College Ave. In 1962 they move to Millersville, PA to the home which Ken designed and was it home to her even after 7 years of living in Florida with their son Justin and family. Ken passed in 2021 after which she returned to Lancaster. Being active in the church (Holy Trinity Lutheran, Lancaster) she resumed her active participation as her health allowed.

Doris and Ken enjoyed many trips aboard, often taken with the 3 children. Their love for the Arts took them to the Holy Lands in Israel, to the Sistine Chapel in Italy and the Louvre in France along with many other European Cities. One of Doris’s favorite trips being to her heritage Isle of Ireland, where she still has family today and corresponded with them till the end.

Doris is survived by her three sons, Stephen and Patricia Kirsten, Mark and Tina Kirsten and Justin and Victoria Kirsten, Eight Grandsons and One Granddaughter, Three Great Grandsons and Three Great Granddaughters. Being back in Lancaster she enjoyed the time she spent with her family, especially the great Grandchildren. She did miss the time she had with her Three Grandsons, that reside in Florida.

A Memorial Service will be held Tuesday June 17th, with a viewing at 10:30 followed by the service at 11:00 at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 31 S. Duke St. Lancaster, Internment to follow at Conestoga Memorial Cemetery, Lancaster.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Lancaster, or Hospice and Community Care, Lancaster.

Leave a condolence on this Memorial Page

Condolences to the Family

June 22, 2025

Rest in peace dear Cousin Doris. I will miss you, but are consuled that you are now with God in heaven along with Kenneth, Bobby, my parents your Aunt Marie and Uncle Herman and all of our common ancestors who have gone before. You were an inspirational constant in my life and i will always fondly treasure my memories of you. Cousin Harry Knoch

June 20, 2025

I don’t remember meeting her when I was young but, my mother, Carol Seidel (Knoch), would always speak fondly of “Aunt Doris”.
We would receive homemade Christmas cards that were very beautiful every year from Aunt Doris and Uncle Kenneth.
My mother even made a trip to Lancaster to see her one year when I was in my late teens/early twenties.
My deepest condolences to the family 🙏
Arthur Seidel

June 20, 2025

To Mark, Stephen and Justin , I’m very sorry for the loss of Aunt Doris my mother often spoke kindly of her. I have early memories of her she was very kind to my brother Arthur and I . I know she said she did ballroom dancing with Uncle Kenneth I’m sure they are in heaven dancing up a storm! Love Janice {Seidel} Mathews

June 17, 2025

To Mark ,Stephen and Justin. So sorry for your loss. Doris was a very sweet lady. Always remembered family. Sympathy from Bob and Laureen A.

June 16, 2025

Aunt DorisYou lived a good life with family always around you and your husband. They have always been there to protect you. You’ve raised a beautiful family, and you contributed to your church continuously through throughout your whole life.
God has blessed you with a long life on this earth and now may you rest in peace with my dad, Robert, your husband, uncle Kenneth, who I love so dearly, your parents and the remaining family members that rest in peace in the heaven, God provided for us.
May God continue to bless your family on earth as you oversee them from the heavens above. give my dad a hug for me.
love you and Doris,
Chris J Mcconnell

June 15, 2025

My heart is with you at this sad time. Aunt Doris was mom’s favorite, more a sister than a cousin. She opened her heart and home to us, some of my favorite childhood memories. My sincerest condolences.
Linda Abramowitz Yaeger

June 14, 2025

Thank you Aunt Doris for blessing us with a beautiful family 🙏💖🙏 for your kind spirit and determination, your laughter will always be in our hearts. RIP 🙏 finally be your your Brother, my Father Bob again and your parents, Uncle Kenneth and I know we’ll meet again 🙏💜🙏
Lynda McConnell Blitz

June 13, 2025

Stephen, Patty, Mark, Tina, Justin and Vicky,
My deepest condolences to you and your families. Ken and Doris were two of Gail’s and my dearest and most treasured friends for so many years. Unnumbered memories of friendship and kindnesses will stay with me forever.
Dick Whitson

Visitation: Tuesday, June 17, 2025; 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM; Holy Trinity Lutheran Church; 31 S. Duke St.; Lancaster, PA 17602
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Services: Tuesday, June 17, 2025; 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM; Holy Trinity Lutheran Church; 31 S. Duke St.; Lancaster, PA 17602
Map and Directions: Get Maps and Directions >