Doris M. (Bortree) Goerlitz, aged 94, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 8. 2026. Doris was born in Sterling, PA to the late Alfred D. and L. Edna (Lee) Bortree. Doris lived most of her life in Wayne County, PA.

Doris married Dr. Arthur R. Goerlitz on December 29, 1964. They spent many wonderful years together until Art's death on August 16, 2001.

Doris was a 1949 graduate of the Greene-Dreher Sterling High School in Newfoundland, PA. She graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with her Bachelor of Science Degree in 1953 and in 1960 earned her Master's Degree in Secondary Education from Penn State. Doris also completed graduate study at the University of Scranton where she earned her Supervisory Certification.

Doris began her 40 year teaching career at Lake Consolidated High School from 1954-1959. In 1959 she was hired by Honesdale High School and taught there until 1984. From 1984-1995, Doris was employed by the University of Scranton. Doris believed that teaching was a treasured career fulfilling a childhood dream. This joy was carried throughout retirement by the lifelong memories made.

Throughout her lifetime, Doris belonged to many different organizations.

She was a member of the Paupack Rebekah Lodge #559 and later the Nakomis Rebekah Lodge #497.

Doris was the PA President of Rebekah Assembly, a delegate to International Association of Rebekah Assemblies in Denver, CO and Manitoba, Canada and also an officer in Santa Clara, California.

Doris was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma International Society for Key Women Teachers and for over 65 years was a member of the Phi Chapter. In 1976 Doris traveled to Puerto Rico to institute a Delta Kappa Gamma Chapter. In 2013 she received an honorary State Achievement Award.

Doris was a life member of the Penn State Alumni Association. She was a member of the Friends of the Hamlin Community Library, Historians of Sterling Township, The Greene-Dreher Historical Society and The Wayne County Historical Society.

Doris was also a member of the Wayne-Pike PA Association School Retirees (PASR). While a member of this organization, Doris received a PA State Service Achievement Award and a Volunteer of the Year Award from Wayne County. Doris was also an Educational Services volunteer for Native American students in Tempe, Arizona.

Doris enjoyed traveling with her husband, Art. Some places they enjoyed visiting were Arizona, Washington and New England and seeing Canada via the Canadian National Railway.

Doris also traveled to England, Scotland, Ireland, Wales and Western Europe with Sterling teacher, Ella Gilpin. Doris also enjoyed visiting the National Parks in the western United States.

Since 1979 Doris was a member of the St. Thomas More Church, Lake Ariel. Previously, she was a member of Sterling United Methodist Church. Fondly, she always called Sterling, "my roots.

Surviving Doris are four nephews, Blaine B. (Cynthia) Strada; Craig L. (Susan) Strada; Ronald L (Sopha) Bortree; and Scott H. Bortree and Diana. After being widowed, Doris said, "Blaine and Craig were her rocks."

Also surviving are grandnephews and grandnieces, Brandon (Holly) Strada; Paula Strada Todd (Dr. Jeremy); Kyle Strada; Dr. Rachel Moe (Dale); and Justin (Kristin) Moe. Doris is also survived by numerous step grandchildren and great grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Dr. A.L. Bortree; her sister, Elsie Bortree Strada, R.N.; and her stepsons, Arthur R. Goerlitz, Jr., William W. Goerlitz and Carl L. Goerlitz.

Funeral services will be held Friday August 14, 2026 at 9:15am in The James Wilson Funeral Home 143 Gravity Rd. with Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10am in the St Thomas More Church 105 Gravity Rd. Lake Ariel.

Friends may call Thursday from 4-7pm in the funeral home.  The members of Rebekah Lodge will hold a  service at 6:40pm. 

Interment, Fairview Memorial Park, Elmhurst.

Memorial suggestions in lieu of flowers:

Hamlin Community Library                                                                                                                                                                                                  PO Box 98 Hamlin, PA 18427

Greene-Dreher Alumni Association                                                                                                                                                                                      PO Box 171 Newfoundland, PA 18445

Historians of Sterling Township                                                                                                                                                                                      709 Spring Hill Road Sterling, PA 18463