Doris J. (Nickum) DeForest, 96, of Hermitage passed away surrounded by family Monday evening, March 18, 2024, in St. John XXIII Home.

Mrs. DeForest was born May 25, 1927, in Sharon, a daughter of Julian F. and Julia (McDermott) Nickum. She graduated from Sharon High School in 1945, and earned a bachelor's degree in Education from Seton Hill University in 1949. Doris later completed her graduate studies at Westminster College, earning a Master's in Education in 1969.

After several years of serving as a substitute teacher for local high schools, Doris began her permanent work as a teacher of mathematics at Sharon City Schools, and later, as a guidance counselor, retiring in 1992.

A lifelong member of St. Joseph Church, Sharon, she was also a member and former president of the College Club of Sharon, served on the Board of Sharon Lifelong Learning Council, volunteered as a tax preparer in the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide for the Elderly and Low-Income Program for over 20 years, and belonged to several bridge groups. Earlier, Doris was a member of the Boards of Catholic Charities and Adoption Center and volunteered as a tutor in the Shenango Valley Library Literacy Program.

Her greatest joy in life was her family; Doris was blessed to be able to attend the many activities involving her children and grandchildren. She loved walking in Buhl Park, traveling, especially to the beach at Fenwick Island, DE, reading, gardening, and playing cards.

Doris is survived by two sons, David W. DeForest (Linda), Sharpsville, and Michael P. DeForest, Hermitage; two daughters, Candace D. Sizer (Carl "Kip"), Sharon, and Janet N. Auerbach (Gary), Oreland, PA; seven grandchildren, John D. DeForest (Jessica), Kathryn DeForest, William M. DeForest, III (Lena), Carl Aaron Sizer, III (Leah), Hannah Sizer (fiancé, Robert Yaggi), Em Auerbach Smith (Russ), and Benjamin Auerbach; eight great-grandchildren, Mason, Kaleigh, McKenzie, Evangeline, Julian, Lilliana, William, IV, and Willow.

In addition to her parents, Doris was preceded in death by two sisters, Anne Gazda (Theodore) and Julia Wharam (William); a great-granddaughter, Charlotte Sizer; and her former husband, William M. DeForest, Jr.

Memorial donations may be directed to Buhl Farm Park, 715 Hazen Rd. Hermitage, PA 16148.

The family would like to thank the staff and volunteers of St. John XXIII Home, Helping Hands Hospice, Care Givers Plus, and Seniors Helping Seniors for their exceptional care and kindness.

Calling hours will be 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday (3-24-24) in J. Bradley McGonigle Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 1090 E. State St., Sharon. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.McGonigleFuneralHomeandCrematory.com.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday (3-25-24) in St. Joseph Church, 79 Case Ave., Sharon, with Rev. James Power and Rev. Glenn Whitman, concelebrating.

Interment: St. Rose Cemetery, Hermitage.