Doris E. Gierko, 83, passed away on Tuesday morning, July 6, 2010, with her loving daughter by her side. She was born in Berlin, NH on January 31, 1927, to John and Margaret (Babineau) Hickey. She was a graduate of Berlin High School. Following high school, she lived in Manchester, NH for a number of years, and in 1947 moved to Claremont, where she resided for the remainder of her life. She and her husband also spent several winters in Boynton Beach, Florida, and traveled to Aruba.

Doris worked briefly in New Britain, CT during World War II. She was also employed as a telephone operator by New England Telephone Company, as a noon aid by the Claremont School District, as a crossing guard by the Claremont Police Department, and as a salesperson by Fred Allen Jewelers. She was a former member of the Catholic Daughters of America, and a communicant of St. Joseph's Church.

Doris dedicated her life to being a loving wife and mother. She enjoyed knitting, crocheting, gardening, and the many dogs and birds she had as pets over the years. She had an open minded and compassionate nature, a wonderful sense of humor, and a heart-warming smile. She will be missed by family and friends alike.

Doris was the widow of John Gierko, whom she married on August 4, 1951. He passed away on July 21, 2004. She is survived by her daughter, Cindy Gierko.

Other surviving members of her family include her brother, Peter Hickey; her sister-in-law and friend, Ann Hickey; her brother-in-law, Chet Gierko, and his wife, Shirley; her sister-in-law, Betty Gierko; as well as a number of nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Visiting hours will be held at the Stringer Funeral Home, 146 Broad Street, Claremont, NH on Saturday, July 10th from 9 to 10:30 prior to Mass.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on July 10th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church in Claremont.  Interment will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery.