Doris Powers Brudzinski, passed away peacefully on March 7, 2022 in Quincy, Massachusetts at the age of 97.

Born to Benjamin Thomas and Doshie Powers in Hopewell, Virginia on December 29, 1924, Doris' family moved to College Park, Maryland in the late 1930s after Mr. Powers passed away. She met Walter (Butch) Brudzinski (1917 - 2000) at a dance that she and a friend attended at the University of Maryland in 1942. The dance featured the Mal Hallett Orchestra and Walter was one of the saxophonists. Doris and her friend debated who was the cutest in the band - the lead singer - or the handsome saxophone player. Doris chose the saxophone player. Shortly thereafter, the couple began their courtship and ultimately married in 1943. Walter was called to service in the Army and served in Europe until the war ended. After he returned home, the couple settled in Bellmawr, New Jersey and later in Pine Hill where Doris helped run the family business: the Friendly Tavern, from 1949 to 1964. In 1958, the family moved to Stratford, New Jersey where Doris and Walter raised one daughter and two sons. In 2013, Doris moved to Quincy, Massachusetts where she thrived for many years. She made friends very easily and was always up-beat, positive, and well-liked by everyone who knew her. When she wasn't socializing with friends, she read extensively and enjoyed crossword puzzles. Doris is survived by her children: Walter Jan Brudzinski, Doshie Powers, and Chris Powers Brudzinski; grandchildren Randy Brudzinski and Leslye LaClaire; and, great grandchildren Jaclyn Brudzinski, Adam Brudzinski, Alessandro Sanchez, and Soren Sanchez.

There will be a visitation from 11:00am to 11:45am Saturday, 11, 2022 at Gardner Funeral Home, 126 South Black Horse Pike, Runnemede, New Jersey 08078 on Saturday, June 11, 2022.

Memorial service 11:45am at the funeral home.

An inurnment will follow at St. Joseph's Cemetery in Chews Landing, New Jersey.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Stratford Public Library, 303 Union Avenue, Stratford, NJ 08084 in memory of Doris Brudzinski.

Services