Obituary of Doris Gloria (Silva) Brown Spacer

Doris Gloria (Silva) Brown Spacer, 91, of Peabody, died peacefully early Sunday morning at her home surrounded by her family following a brief illness. She was the devoted wife of the late Joseph A. Spacer, Jr. Born in Peabody, she was the proud and sometimes feisty daughter of the late Jose and Teodolinda (da Luz) Silva. She was a life-long resident of Peabody, where she lived in the same house since birth. She graduated from Peabody High School in 1942, and remained in touch with her classmates throughout her life. Doris had many roles in her life, but her most cherished was that of a mother. Selfless, generous, and determined, she worked tirelessly in support of her children, as well as the community. She was a former member of the St. Thomas Mothers Club, Bishop Fenwick Booster Club, St. John’s Prep Booster Club, and former member of Danvers Catholic Daughters of America. She taught many people how to cook, and prided herself on being a Cooking Merit Badge Counselor for the local chapter of Boy Scouts of America. Doris had many loves in her life too. She loved music and dancing, but most of all she loved bringing people together through her food. Her Portuguese sweet bread is famous in Peabody, and at one point she sold sixty loaves a week to send her children to college. She brought meals to the sisters of St. Thomas and the Carmelite sisters in Danvers, and was always there with a warm meal and warm heart for those in need. She did so much for other people, and possessed unwavering faith and determination. She will be remembered for her spirited sense of humor, boundless generosity, enduring faith, and determination to live life on her terms. Doris is survived by her three children and their spouses, Robert L. Brown and his wife Joanne of Georgetown, Joel Robert Brown and his wife Colleen of Portsmouth, NH, Leslie Ann Breen and her husband Kevin of Swampscott, and is also survived by her six grandchildren, Sarah Breen of Glasgow, Scotland, Megan (Breen) Ramirez and her husband Gustavo of Salem, Kasey and Toney Brown of New York City, and Christina Brown of Somerville and Justin Brown of Georgetown. Her funeral will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 AM at the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 20 Church St., Peabody, followed by her Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Peabody to which relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend. Visiting hours will be held on Tuesday from 4:00 until 8:00 PM. Burial will be in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Doris’ memory to the Discalced Carmelite Nuns at 15 Mount Carmel Road, Danvers, MA 01923-3796