Doris Sengenberger

Doris Anne Sengenberger of Schenectady, New York, went home to be with her Lord on November 1, 2022, at the age of 94. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of sixty-one years, Peter John Sengenberger, Sr. (2009).

Born on June 18, 1928, in Queens, NY, she was the youngest and last surviving of four daughters of Edward Duane Chace and Harriet “Hattie” (Crandall) Chace. Her family moved to Rotterdam, NY when she was very young. Her father was a policeman, and her mother was a nurse.

A bright and active student, she attended Draper High School in Rotterdam, NY where she played in the school band, sang in the choir, was a school cheerleader and acted in school plays and musicals. In her senior year, she was voted “Best Actress” by her classmates. After graduating from high school in 1946, she joined General Electric in Schenectady. It was in high school where Doris met the love of her life, Peter, whom she married at Immaculate Conception Church in Schenectady on May 5, 1948.

A woman of strong faith in Jesus Christ, she was raised as a Baptist and attended Sunday services with her family as well church camps in her youth. After being married for five years, she was received into the Catholic Church on June 27, 1953. Her faith continued to blossom as her family grew. She and her family were involved members of St. Madeleine Sophie Church and in St. James Major Catholic Church in Lake Pleasant, NY where they have a summer home “Camp” in the Adirondack Mountains.

Her family was the center of her life. Adored by her husband, Doris raised a large family with grace and tenderness, as well as with a joyful spirit, and a generous heart. She always took time to listen to her children who valued her warmth and good counsel. She was also a wonderful cook, and her children have all cherished her recipes and handed then on to their children. She loved children and was never happier than when she was holding a newborn in her arms.

In her later years, Doris was a resident of Kingsway Community in Schenectady, NY and appreciated their loving care for over five years.

She is survived by her ten children: Peter John Sengenberger, Jr. (Angie) of Moneta, VA; Mark Edward Sengenberger (Heidi) of Berne, NY; Linda Anne Albers (Jeff) of Concord, NC; Karen Leigh Artus (Rick) of Richmond, VA; John Michael Sengenberger (Catherine) of Steubenville, OH; Susan Mary Barnes (Dave) of Schenectady, NY; Doris Anne (“Dodie”) Choyce (Pat) of Fulshear, TX; Jeffrey George Sengenberger (Denise) of Rockford, IL; James Matthew Sengenberger (Amy) of Aurora, CO; and Mary Beth Gunn (Randy) of Schenectady, NY. In addition, she is survived by thirty-five of her thirty-seven grandchildren, fifty-three great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.

Doris was loved by all who knew her. Her bright smile and cheerful personality witnessed to her abiding faith and her kind and gentle spirit.

A prayer services will be held on Saturday morning November 5th at 10:45 am at Bond Funeral Home, Broadway & Guilderland Avenue, Schenectady, followed at 11:30 am at St Madeline Sophie Church, 3500 Carman Road, Schenectady where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated. A visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday evening November 4th from 4 to 7pm at the funeral home.

Donations can be made to the Christ Child Society at St. Madeleine Sophie Church or to St. James Major Church in Lake Pleasant.

She will be buried at St. Ann’s Cemetery in Wells, NY where her husband was laid to rest.