Obituary of Doris Purichia

Doris Pearl (Neff) Purichia, 89, of Indianapolis, passed away on June 19, 2023.
Affectionately known to many as “Duke”, Doris was born in Jamestown, Indiana,
on January 16, 1934, to Arthur and Mary (Duree) Neff. She married her childhood
sweetheart, Michael Angelo Purichia, whom she adored and took care of for 72
years until his death last year.

Doris was a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker for many years. She worked
tirelessly making sure her children and home shone the brightest on the block. She
was a dedicated volunteer at the children’s Catholic schools, earning her the CYO
Monsignor Busald Award in 1987. After her kids were grown, she took jobs at
L.S. Ayres and then Henry Schein warehouse. Doris loved sports, and she was her
kids and grandkids biggest fan, at most every game with Mike at her side and
cowbell in hand. She loved a good time and never missed a birthday party. She
made friends everywhere she went and was known by name at local stores, banks,
and churches, often bringing treats and sending cards on special occasions. Her
hands were always busy and she treasured the relationships she’d made in her life,
faithfully attending monthly meetings with the St. Joe Gals and then every day
with the regular MCL crew. Doris cherished her many years spent running around
with her sisters and was grateful for her sister Shirley’s care and devotion when the
running around stopped. She was a one-of-a-kind grandma who will be missed by
many.

Doris is survived by her children, Michael Purichia, Jr., Nula (Dan) Kelly, Rebecca
(Joe) Gilbert, Teresa Stinnett, and Vincent (Karen) Purichia; brothers Charles
(Glenda) Neff, brother-in-law Willard New; sisters Shirley (Larry) Looper and
Mary (Walter) O’Riley), 22 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and many dear
nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her husband of 72 years,
Michael, her parents Art and Mary Neff; sister, Ruth New, and grandsons Adam
Purichia and Jacob Kelly.