Doris Hamilton Kranzley

Doris Hamilton Kranzley of Kennett Square, PA, formerly of West Chester, PA and Cherry Hill, NJ, passed away on October 20, 2025.  Born on September 3, 1926 in Philadelphia, PA, Doris lived a long and fulfilling life with a large family and lifelong friends, a diverse career, and a love for travel and storytelling.

Doris attended Upper Darby High School and continued her studies at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.  Over the years Doris had a wide ranging career including raising a family, teaching physical education at Dickinson College, teaching crafts, assisting with the startup of a Scandinavian furniture store Dane Décor in Downingtown as a buyer and with furniture sales, and later as a customer service manager at Cyklop Strapping.

Doris especially enjoyed playing cards/Bridge for the fun and competition of the game. Her Sunday bridge group friends were dear to her heart and kept her energized right up to her last weeks. Mom was also fortunate to have kind neighbors and friends during her years in Kennett Square. She loved to travel and experience the USA and much of Europe. She could tell a good story, share a funny joke, perform magic, and entertain all ages with her palm reading.

She is survived by her sister Diane Phillips of Hartwell, GA; and her children: Lois Kranzley Gaul of Exton, PA, Gwen Tewold (Karl) of College Station, TX, Jill Petrick (Bruce) of Carrollton, TX, Steven Kranzley (Stacie) of West Grove, PA, and Scott Kranzley (Dawn deceased) of Coatesville, PA; by her grandchildren Jordan/Jay (Lois), and Grant, Jennifer and Michael (Michelle), Nicole and Tanner, Leslie (Fred) and Trey (Katie), and Biancha; as well as her great grandchildren Virginia, Xander and Hendrix, Lily, Conrad and Barron, and Roman and Xena, and extended family Louis, Carla, Louis, Brian, Aimee, Tysch, Carter, Audrey, and many many dear nieces and nephews.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband Louis Kranzley whom she married in 1958 and was a widow of her first husband Marson Sowers; son Craig; parents James P. and Marie Hamilton; brother James C. Hamilton.

The family especially thanks Mom’s many special caregivers in her last weeks.

A celebration of life will be scheduled in the spring of 2026.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to Penn Medicine Hospice Friends Fund at https://giving.apps.upenn.edu/fund?program=MC&Fund=843419 or the Purple Heart Foundation, or the charity of your choice.

Arrangements by Kuzo Funeral Home of Kennett Square, PA.