Doris T. Buckels

Doris Torrance Buckels, 85, of Denver Colorado, daughter of James A. and May Torrance passed away in the early hours of December 10, 2013. Doris was a life-long Denver resident, and graduate of South High School and University of Denver. A dedicated teacher, she first taught in Connecticut and Maryland, then came home to dedicate her teaching talents to Denver Public Schools. She was particularly involved in reading improvement techniques, and led system-wide workshops on the subject for the entire Denver school system. She worked in Baker and Kepner Junior High Schools teaching students whose names she remembered 50 years later. Her life demonstrated civic engagement as shown through her many activities including: Founder and Chair of the first Head Start Program (Child Opportunity Program, Inc.); Founding member of Denver Area UNICEF Council; Denver Public Schools Budget Review Committees and Community Education Council; One of the Monitors appointed by the US District Court to monitor the effectiveness of the Denver Public School system integration program; Denver University Women's Library Association Board; Chair of First Annual "Blossoms of Light" at Denver Botanic Gardens; Chair of "Shadow Catcher" photography event at Denver University; Denver Art Museum DAM Yankees President and Fund Raising Event Chair; Founder and Board Member, Southern Hills Community Association; First Plymouth Congregational Church Founder and Chair of Visual Arts and Performing Arts Boards. She was also actively involved in political issues and efforts. Her kindness, creativity and elegance will be missed. She is survived by her husband, Marvin Buckels, their two daughters, Lisa Schultz and Devon Buckels, and a grandson Nathan Schultz. Memorial services will be held on Thursday January 2, 2014 at 2:00 pm at First Plymouth Congregational Church, 3501 S. Colorado Blvd., Englewood, CO 80113. Reception immediately following. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to First Plymouth Congregational Church.