Mrs. Doris E. Lail

Doris E. Lail (née Armbruster), age 90, of Mickleton, NJ, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 29, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Doris was a proud graduate who began her career working at a bank in Center City, commuting each day by public transportation. Her life took a beautiful turn in the late 1950s when she met the love of her life, Tommy, at a Sunday night stag dance at the Sunset Beach Ballroom in Almonesson. They married in December 1960 and began their life together in a home Tommy built in Thorofare. In 1965, they moved to their forever home, a farm in Mickleton, where they created a loving home and raised their family. Doris was the heart of the Lail family. Her home was a place of warmth, faith, and togetherness. She was a devoted wife, a nurturing mother, and a loving grandmother and great-grandmother. Her life was deeply rooted in Christian faith, which she passed on to her children. A longtime member of St. Stephen’s Lutheran Church in Woodbury, Doris taught Sunday School and played piano for the children for over 40 years. In more recent years, she worshiped at Holy Nativity Lutheran Church in Wenonah, continuing to grow in faith and community. In addition to being the spiritual and emotional foundation of her family, Doris also played a vital role in its daily life. With quiet strength and unwavering dedication, she worked each day as the bookkeeper for the family construction business—never missing a beat, even at the age of ninety. Her energy, commitment, and love were constants in the lives of those around her. She found joy in life’s simple pleasures—family vacations to Ocean City and later Sea Isle City, reading her daily devotions, writing in her journal, and, most of all, spending time with her loved ones. She especially treasured living so close to her children and grandchildren, most of whom were just a walk away, which made family visits a natural part of daily life. Her home was always full of activity, with family coming and going and a big snack table always stocked with everyone’s favorite treats. Her home was also the center of many family celebrations, where laughter filled the rooms and lasting memories were made. Doris loved hosting these gatherings and always added a special touch, often organizing a fun family game complete with a prize, making sure every generation felt included and celebrated. Doris is survived by her five children: Tom Lail (Linda Mowbray), Diane (Lail) Contarino (Tom), Mark Lail (Karin), Troy Lail (Sharon), and Joel Lail (Patti); her eleven grandchildren: Thomas (Teresa), Michael (Kirsten), Lindsay (Bryan), Kristina (Patrick), Christopher (Jordan), Jessica (Jack), Gabrielle, Ashlee, Troy (Maria), Megan, and Erin; her great-grandson, Ronan; her sister, Joan Humphreys of Horsham, PA; and her cherished cat, Gracie. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, Tommy Lail, with whom she now shares eternal peace. Family and friends are invited to celebrate Doris’s life on Friday, June 6, 2025, at Holy Nativity Lutheran Church, 3 Lenape Trail, Wenonah, NJ. Visitation will begin at 11:00 AM, with a funeral service at 1:00 PM. Interment will follow at Eglington Cemetery in Clarksboro, NJ. In lieu of flowers, donations in Doris’s memory may be made to the General Fund of Holy Nativity Lutheran Church, 3 Lenape Trail, Wenonah, NJ 08090. Arrangements are by McBride – Foley Funeral Home, Paulsboro, NJ.To share a memory or message with the family, visit www.mcbridefoleyfh.com.

Mrs. Doris E. Lail

May 2, 1935 - May 29, 2025