Joan Maria Doris

Joan Maria Doris, MSW, DSW, passed away September 14, 2026, after a short illness.

A graduate of Ithaca High School and Ohio Wesleyan University, Joan earned her Master of Social Work at West Virginia University, and her Doctor of Social Work at the University of Pennsylvania. 

A certified family therapist passionately devoted to her helping profession of social work, her career included service at Ohio University, the University of Buffalo, and West Virginia University. In 2025, she returned to her hometown of Ithaca to serve as Associate Director for Counseling and Psychological Services at Cornell University. Always warm and friendly, Joan struck up conversations with strangers wherever she went, and had many friends, from Washington State to Florida. Devoted to Appalachia, where she spent much of her life, she loved kayaking the region’s rivers and hiking its mountains. When not outdoors, she enjoyed fiber crafts and baking. 

Unstintingly loyal to her family, Joan is predeceased by her parents, Dr. John L. Doris and Dr. Marjorie Fouts, and her beloved daughter, Eileen Maria Doris. She is survived, and much missed by, her siblings, Dr. Margaret Doris of Newtonville, MA, Dr. Ellen Doris (Bob Strachota) of Colrain, MA, Dr. Sara Doris of Boston, MA, Dr. John Doris (Dr. Laura Niemi) of Freeville, NY; her nieces and nephews, Abraham Doris-Down (Dr. Ana Salano-Campos) of Decatur, GA, Brendan & Molly Doris-Pierce of Newtonville, MA, Micky and Kathleen Strachota of Colrain, MA; her grandnephew, John Doris-Salano; her cousins, Ron and Sue Doris, of San Diego. 

A service is being planned for a later date.