The Hermitage Lighting family of Nashville mourns the loss of matriarch Doris Tenzel Fleischer, beloved wife of the late industry veteran Gerald Fleischer. She is survived by her son Jack and his wife Daniella; daughter Sherrie Davidson; grandchildren Anya Davidson, Adam Fleischer (Laura), Matthew Fleischer (Rachel), and Rachel Fleischer, and great grandchildren Hudson, Emilia, Halle, Ford, Lily, and Ari Fleischer.
Doris worked alongside her husband in the family business, Hermitage Electric Supply Corporation for 25 years, and was equally revered for her generosity of time and empathy as she – a cancer survivor herself – counseled countless breast cancer patients for more than 20 years as a volunteer with the Reach to Recovery program for the American Cancer Society.
“Doris was an incredible matriarch for our family,” notes Jack. “She had an incredible hospitable charm and beautiful eloquence. She left an impression on everyone she met. We will miss her deeply and love her.”
Doris had a passion for antiques, opera, and mah jong, and shared a love for boating with her husband.
“She was my rock and my confidant,” adds Daniella. “I loved her dearly. At 91, she was a true fighter and Southern Belle all the way to the end. She was very special and loved her 3 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren deeply.”
A lifelong resident of Nashville, Doris graduated from Peabody Demonstration School (now University School) and attended the University of Miami. She and her husband Gerald divided their time between Nashville and Aventura, Florida.
Doris collaborated with her daughter, Sherrie, to write and publish a book about the life story of her mother, Dr. Pauline Tenzel. She was a lifetime member of NCJW and Hadassah, and a lifelong member of the Temple Ohabai Shalom.
Funeral services will be held at Temple Ohabai Shalom at 11am, Wednesday, November 8, with a private family burial following the service.
Active Pallbearers: Phillip Schrabman, Jay Raff, Adam Fleischer, Matt Fleischer, Alex Garmezy and Steve Remer.
Honorary Pallbearers: Louise Pailet, Gloria Sir, Sylvia Shepard, Betsy Chernau, Jimmy Small, Dorothy Miller, Charlotte Seloff, Sheila Schott, Brenda Rosenblum, Shirley Zeitlin, Jackie Tepper.
Special thanks to Dr. F. Anthony Greco and the amazing 30 years of care from the nursing staff of Tennessee Oncology at Sarah Cannon Cancer Center, the employees of Hermitage, Dr. Sean Ryan, the team at Alive Hospice and special caregivers Derri Breedlove, Stefanie Hamones, and Felicia.
Donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, the Temple or a charity of your choice.
To sign the guest book, click here
