Doris Herrick

In gratitude for the privilege of sharing our lives with a most wonderful person whose many roles included mother, friend, grandmother, aunt, confidant, bridge partner and traveling buddy, we offer this tribute in memory of Doris Jean MacGregor Herrick.

Doris had battled a long illness and she had recently made the decision to stay at home and be there with her family at the end.  She passed peacefully on May 2, 2016. At Doris’ side was her daughter, Dana J. St. Clair-Hougham and her husband, Scotty Hougham, daughters Denise C. St. Clair and Dawn P. St. Clair, her nephew, Nicolas William James St. Clair (Dana’s son) and her beloved cat, “Tippy”.

Doris was born February 1, 1927 in Philadelphia, PA and was the only child of Corrine A. (Neumann) MacGregor and Roy R. MacGregor (both deceased). Both her parents were originally from New Jersey. Doris’ father, Roy MacGregor died in 1963 in St. Petersburg, FL. Her mother, Corrine MacGregor died in 1988 in Bradenton, FL.

Early in her life, the MacGregor family moved from Philadelphia and Doris grew up in the areas of Trenton and Teaneck, New Jersey. Doris went to Teaneck High School graduating in the year 1944. In high school, Doris was known as “Mickey” and was quite popular. She was active in school socials, the mathematics club (she excelled in math), loved to dance and was planning to be a nurse.

During her late teens, Doris went to work early on and enjoyed going into New York City and dancing and listening to the music of the 40s, particularly that of Frank Sinatra. Frank was a favorite of Doris’ and she was president of his local New Jersey fan club. She actually spent time at his residence in Hoboken, New Jersey and has a personally signed picture of Frank. She also has pictures of Frank with his daughter, Nancy posing in front of their house. She was so thrilled to be able to meet Frank in person and noted he was most kind and gracious during the visit.

After graduating with honors from high school and starting her career, Doris later married James P. St. Clair, Jr. (of Rutherford, New Jersey) in 1951.  The family including the MacGregors (Corrine and Roy) eventually moved from New Jersey to St. Petersburg, FL in 1953. James’ brother, Robert C. St. Clair and his wife, Eleanor also moved to St. Petersburg, FL shortly thereafter. All three of Doris’ daughters were born and raised in St. Petersburg.

Following divorce from Doris, James P. St. Clair, Jr. passed in the year 1980. Other than James’ brother, Robert known as Uncle Bob, the immediate St. Clair family members of mother Viola, father, James Sr. and sister, Iris remained in Rutherford, New Jersey until their respective deaths years later. After 56 years of marriage, Robert’s wife, Eleanor died in 2009.

Several years after the end of her marriage to James St. Clair, Doris married William (Bill) Harley Herrick of Bradenton, FL in 1968 and moved to Bradenton. Doris’ mother, Corrine lived with her in Bradenton until her death in 1988. Bill died in 1989. In 1999, Doris returned to live in St. Pete., FL.

During Doris’ career, she focused on financial activities which included being a credit manager with the prior company, ‘Montgomery Ward’.  Following this, Doris moved into to the banking industry and worked for several banks in the St. Petersburg and Bradenton, FL areas.  She eventually retired as a branch manager for First Union National Bank in Bradenton, FL (later  – ‘Wells Fargo Bank’). She continued to work part-time at ‘Bealls’ department store in St. Petersburg, FL and fully retired in 2009.

Doris loved to travel and went on adventures to the Bahamas; various places across the USA, more than one visit to the Big Apple (NY) during the Holiday season, and trips to England, Scotland, Ireland, Thailand and Hawaii were taken. Doris eventually moved in with daughter, Dawn the end of 2014. Doris enjoyed socializing with family and friends and this included having margaritas with friends, playing bridge with the gals, Sunday dinners, going to Bucs’ games, dinner and toddies at “Three Birds” restaurant and also going to the movies.

‘Uncle Bob’ remains in the Seminole, FL area and is a great support for the entire family. He frequently participates in family gatherings and keeps on trucking!

Doris, your friends and family will deeply miss you, your kindness and patience and that infamous, MacGregor stubbornness.  We will have many fond memories, thinking of how you touched us all and shared much laughter amongst our zany family.

Friends and family are invited to share a memory and sign her guestbook below