Doris Kearns Stanga

- Doris Kearns Stanga (April 1, 1927 – April 7, 2024), age 97, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024, in Knoxville, Tennessee, where she had resided since 2022. Doris was born in New Orleans, Louisiana and grew up in Thibodaux, Louisiana. She is a 1946 graduate of Thibodaux High School.

Soon after high school, Doris began her business career as a secretary at the Leonard J. Toups Insurance Agency in Thibodaux. At that time the potential of women to become leaders in business was more limited than today. Still, she rose through the ranks, purchased the company, and managed it successfully for many years. Later she sold the company and began a second career in real estate management with the Craig Stanga Realty Appraisal Company, where she worked for many years.

Competence, hard work, trustworthiness, great people skills, and a strong intuitive understanding of business helped Doris throughout her professional career. She was a reliable supporter of the Thibodaux community, a contributor to numerous charitable organizations, and a devout Christian who led many bible studies and prayer groups. Many people invited her to pray on their behalf.

Doris was an extraordinary mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo Stanford Kearns and Marie Louise Bokenfohr Kearns; by her five brothers, Leo Jr., Bill, Tom, Buck, and Bob, and by her three sisters, Peggy Borne, Gloria Weimer, and Iris Pena; and by her son, Craig.

Doris is survived by her son, Keith; her two daughters-in-law---Josie and Linda; her grandchildren---Ben, Brian, Christian, and Ross; and her great grandchildren--- Jay, Elley, and Katherine. She is also survived by sisterin-law Addie Joy Kearns and by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends---all of whom she loved dearly.

Doris’ family offers a special thanks to the staff at The Lantern at Morning Pointe Knoxville, on Westland Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee, for their care, love, and kindness.

Funeral preparations are with Rose Mortuary---Mann Heritage in Knoxville, Tennessee. A visitation is scheduled for 10 to 11 AM, followed immediately by a funeral mass from 11 to noon, on Saturday, April 27, 2024, at Christ the Redeemer Catholic Church in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Following the mass, graveside services will occur at St. Joseph Cemetery in Thibodaux. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to a charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.rosefuneraltn.com