Doris May (Dufresne) Nobrega (86) of Derry, NH passed away peacefully Sunday October 17, 2021 surrounded by her adoring family. She was the beloved wife of the late Arthur Nobrega with whom she celebrated fifty-four years of marriage, true love and friendship.
Born November 3, 1934 in Lowell Massachusetts to the late Harry Octave Dufresne and Josephine Marie (Gauthier) Dufresne. Doris was the youngest of five children, she was raised in South Lowell and attended Notre Dame Academy, followed by Lowell High School. She excelled in her studies; most specifically typing and mathematics. These skills and her exceptional intelligence were often mentioned to her parents by the Sisters of the academy and later by her teachers at Lowell High.
Doris worked in all areas of the restaurant business fresh out of high school. Cooking, cleaning and serving, late nights and long hours for her brothers; Henry and Arthur Dufresne. Both of whom owned various restaurants throughout the City of Lowell. Doris was a central figure at Arthur’s Restaurant, Arthur’s Paradise Diner, and Peerless Diner, where she met her husband, Arthur (Nobrega). She also worked as a baker at Pelham Memorial School, bringing her many years of cooking expertise to the children of Pelham. Even in retirement Doris continued to work behind the scenes at Arthur’s Paradise Diner until her brother Arthur’s retirement in the late 1990’s.
Above all else, family was everything to Doris. She was without doubt the best wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, great-aunt, friend and human being many of us were blessed enough to know. She enjoyed crocheting and her intricate, beautiful afghans will keep her family warm for many generations to come. Crafting, cooking, and baking were also amongst Doris’s many talents. Creating customized handbags out of recycled grocery bags into her early 80’s that are still highly sought after.
She loved to take car trips with her husband Arthur (and whichever grandchildren were available to accompany them at the time). As a couple, Doris and Arthur were avid country music fans and made multiple pilgrimages to the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, TN. A true New Englander, Doris enjoyed meandering backroads, as opposed to traveling the interstate to Lake Winnipesaukee and Wells, Maine with her husband and family. Often singing together on the way as they frequently did throughout the course of their wonderful marriage.
She is survived by her children Doris Ann Cote and her husband Ted of Hudson, NH. Arthur J. Nobrega and his wife Cheryl of Salem, NH. Robin M. Saling and her husband Joseph of Derry, NH. Along with her cherished grandchildren, Greg, Chris, Nick, Jen, Kylie, and Max; as well as her many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
She is predeceased by her siblings Laura Dufresne, Henry Dufresne, Agnes Julien and Arthur Dufresne.
We kindly require all guests for the services to wear a mask and practice social distancing at all times for the health, safety and well being of all parties involved. If you are unable to join us in person for any reason; McDonough Funeral Home will be broadcasting and recording the Mass via facebook.
You are invited to Doris’s calling hours from 4-8 pm on Thursday, October 21st, at the McDonough Funeral Home, 14 Highland St. Lowell, MA (978-458-6816).
Her funeral will begin on Friday, October 22nd at 10 a.m. at the funeral home, followed by her funeral Mass at 11am, at St. Anthony Church, 893 Central Street Lowell, MA. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, 96 Riverneck Rd, Chelmsford, MA.
Donations in Doris’s name can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.
Flowers are also welcomed and sincerely appreciated, if you so choose.