Janet Denwood Gadd Doehler

Janet Denwood Gadd Doehler, born June 21, 1931, passed away on January 21, 2023, aged 91 years, at her family farm outside of Centreville, where she was born. Daughter of the late A. Sydney Gadd and Ruth (Branner) Gadd, Janet attended Washington College and the University of Maryland where she studied Graphic Design and was a member of the Kappa Delta sorority. She taught school after University and then married her husband, the late B. Gen. William F. Doehler Jr., USMC (Ret) at the Naval Academy Chapel in Annapolis. The couple moved to Quantico MCB where they had their first son, and then traveled to Beirut, Lebanon, where their second son was born. During the Lebanese Civil War, Janet and her two infants were evacuated to Naples, Italy, for the duration of her husband’s tour of duty, whereupon they returned to the U.S. where her third child, a daughter, was born. As with many women of her generation, Janet was an essential extension of her husband’s career. As an officer’s wife on base during unit deployment, she involved herself in caring for the needs of Marine families, including organizing events, maintaining morale, supporting and (too often) consoling recent widows, and volunteering for various organizations. Her charm, empathy, creativity and hospitality made this seem effortless. Upon her widowed mother’s decline, the couple returned to Centreville to care for her, and they remained there for the rest of their lives. They were both passionate about the local wildlife and wild spaces, land stewardship, and resisted suburban encroachment on rural and undeveloped areas. Janet became an active member in several local causes and organizations, including St. Paul’s Parish (Vestry, Altar Guild and Episcopal Church Women), The Queen Anne’s County Garden Club, The QAC Mental Health Committee, The QAC Historical Society, and Adkins Arboretum. Janet’s temperament was sparkling, witty, and humorous. She had a generous, light spirit, both outgoing and modest, and was known for her creativity, welcoming nature and culinary abilities. She remained energetic and vibrant, though slowing down a bit, until a fall around her 90th birthday, after which she gradually declined. She died peacefully with two of her children and a grandchild present. She is survived by two sons, William (Simona) of Cortaillod, Switzerland; David (Andrea), of Strasburg, VA; a daughter, Sydney (Sam) of Centreville, MD; and four grandchildren, Madison, Benjamin, Lorien and Kaila. A Memorial Service will be held on February 25, 2023 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Centreville, MD, at 11 a.m. The family wishes to express their grateful thanks to the private health care provider professionals and to Compass Hospice - Centreville for the competent, sensitive, and continuous care they provided during her last several years. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, a donation to The Queen Anne’s County Garden Club, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Centreville or a charity of your choice.

Janet Denwood Gadd Doehler

June 21, 1931 - January 21, 2023