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In Memoriam: Friend and Legend Doris W. Ivey

Doris W. Ivey, 89, passed away peacefully in her sleep on Thursday, Feb. 19, 2015 in New London, N.H.

“Doris was a gracious and generous person who always greeted me with warmth and friendship,” said Colby-Sawyer President Thomas C. Galligan Jr. “She was an elegant woman whose charm and demeanor made one feel relaxed and appreciated. Colby-Sawyer will always remember Doris and her husband, Curtis, for generously supporting the college and its dream of a state of the art science center.”

Born in Washington, D.C., on Aug. 1, 1925, Doris was the youngest of Ernest and Agnes (Brown) Winters's six children. In her early career, Doris worked for the FBI, where she had the opportunity to serve tea at the White House to Eleanor Roosevelt. This sparked her love for entertaining.

Doris and Curtis L. Ivey were married on Oct. 1, 1943. The Iveys were married 67 years, and they raised eight children. Doris was a devoted wife and mother who was known for her kind and loving nature. She was dedicated to her faith and was a former president of the Catholic Guild at the St. Catherine of Siena Parish in Greenwich, Conn. Doris had a love for entertaining and cooking, and she was an enthusiastic bridge and cribbage player.

Formerly of Greenwich, Conn., and Naples, Fla., Doris and Curtis relocated to New London, N.H., to be closer to their family and their beloved log cabin on Lake Sunapee. The Iveys were longtime residents of Sunapee, where they had spent more than 60 summers. Doris was actively involved with the Lake Sunapee Yacht Club and New London Hospital. The Ivey family philanthropically supported Colby-Sawyer College, New London Hospital, the Lake Sunapee Protective Association, the Lake Sunapee Region VNA & Hospice, and the Philharmonic Center for the Arts in Naples, Fla.

Though they were not Colby-Sawyer alumni, nor parents or grandparents of alumni, Doris and Curtis recognized the college's need for a new science center. They made a significant investment in the college and joined the Legends Society. The 33,000-square-foot Curtis L. Ivey Science Center was dedicated in 2004 and named in memory of their children, Curtis Ivey Jr. and Elizabeth Ivey Jurgenson. Since then, the center has been the academic home for hundreds of students, especially those in the Natural Sciences and Environmental Studies Departments.

Doris is survived by five children, David W. Ivey of Naples, Fla., and Sunapee; Alan B. Ivey of Sunapee; Andrée Ivey Fontaine and Andrew P. Ivey, both of Weston, Mass.; and Kathleen Ivey Carrara of Charlotte, Vt. She is also survived by 18 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her five siblings and by three children, Curtis L. Ivey Jr., Elizabeth Ivey Roy Jurgenson and Arthur John Ivey.

Funeral services will be held at St. Joachim Church in Sunapee, N.H., on May 9 at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Joachim Church, c/o St Patrick's Parish, at 40 School Street in Newport, N.H. 03773 or to the Lake Sunapee Protective Association at P.O. Box 683 in Sunapee, N.H. 03782.


Colby-Sawyer College is a comprehensive college that integrates the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation. The College's faculty, staff and students strive for excellence in an engaged teaching and learning community that fosters students' academic, intellectual, and personal growth. With a strong emphasis on learning outcomes, including breadth and depth of knowledge, self-growth, creative and critical thinking, and effective communication, Colby-Sawyer prepares students to thrive post-graduation and make a positive impact upon a dynamic, diverse, and interdependent world.

Founded in 1837, Colby-Sawyer is located in the scenic Lake Sunapee Region of central New Hampshire. Learn more about the College's vibrant teaching and learning community at www.colby-sawyer.edu. Colby-Sawyer College, 541 Main Street, New London, N.H. 03257 (603) 526-3000