Doris Helen Purcell

Framingham – Mrs. Doris H. (Spellman) Purcell, of Framingham, formerly of Jamaica Plain and Waltham, died Sunday, September 28, 2008 at Saint Patrick's Manor in Framingham. She was 96. Born in Winthrop, a daughter of the late John F. and Marie H. (Lee) Spellman, Doris lived in Jamaica Plain for most of her life. She moved to Waltham in 1992 and to Framingham twelve years ago when she became a resident at Saint Patrick's. A graduate of Bridgewater State College, she taught for the Needham Public School system until her retirement. Most of her career was spent at Mitchell Elementary School in Needham. Before that, Doris taught for the Somerville and Boston public schools. The wife of the late Andrew J. Purcell, she leaves her daughter, Andrea Purcell Wong of Brewster; her grandson, Andrew L. Purcell; her daughter-in-law, Christine B. (Smigrocki) Purcell of Needham; her godchild, Judith Spang of Winchester and several nieces and nephews. Doris was also the mother of the late Stephen L. Purcell, mother-in-law of the late Howard W. Wong and sister of the late Richard L. Spellman. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral at 9:30 a.m. Thursday from The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham followed by a Funeral Mass in Saint Jude Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham at 10:30 a.m. Burial will be in Mount Benedict Cemetery, West Roxbury. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday from 4 to 7 p.m. In appreciation for the care given to Doris for twelve years, donations may be made to St. Patrick's Manor, 863 Central Street, Framingham, MA 01701 or to celebrate Doris's love for children and education, donations may be made to the Needham Education Foundation, Needham Public Schools, 1330 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492.