AUBURN — Saint Peter opened up the gate to heaven on Oct. 24, to welcome Aunt Dot after undoubtedly sharing a chuckle over her favorite joke about the two Mainers from Madawaska who were amazed at the capabilities of the thermos on sale at the local Walmart (it keeps hot things hot and cold things cold according to the ad) so they tested it out by putting in a cup of coffee and a popsicle! Heaven is in for a treat!

Doris Elizabeth (Cluff) Jenkins was born in Auburn, Jan. 29, 1910, and lived her entire life in the city. At age 100 plus, she died peacefully in her apartment at Schooner Estates after a brief illness. Her parents were William T. and Zoe French Cluff of Turner and Auburn. Doris graduated from Edward Little High School in 1927, and later from Nasson College. With her degree in secretarial science, she pursued an office management career, until her 1978 retirement.

Doris was married to K. Leon Jenkins in 1963 and they spent 15 happy years together, until his death in 1978. Doris’ siblings predeceased her: sisters, Ruth Cluff and Jeanette Cluff in 2003; and brother, Bill Cluff in 2006.

She is survived by her nephews, Barry Cluff and his family of Wellesley, Mass., and Friendship and Gregory Cluff and his family of Charlotte, Vt.

Doris was a member of the Women’s Hospital Auxiliary at the Central Maine Medical Center and served two terms on its board of directors. She also was a long-time volunteer in the gift shop at CMMC. She also was a member and former trustee of the Woman’s Literary Union as well as past president of both the Auburn Art Club and the Auburn-Lewiston Art and Literature Club. Auburn has lost a remarkable citizen who deeply loved and enthusiastically supported the city and the Boston Red Sox have lost one of their most enthusiastic fans, one of the few who remembers the past three World Series titles!

Aunt Dot was incredibly grateful for her long and healthy life. She was especially proud to turn 100 years old last January and to receive letters of congratulations from Senators Snowe and Collins; and the plaque welcoming her as a member of the Centennial Club at Schooner Estates has been on prominent display ever since. Her amazing optimism and legendary memory enhanced the quality of her life immeasurably and she was always ready to hold court with family and friends!

Our family wishes to especially thank the wonderful people at Schooner for making Aunt Dot’s 10 years there such a happy time. While Doris was healthy for the vast majority of her time there, in the past few weeks nurses, Brenda Smuttney and Donna Vachon and the entire Schooner staff provided both tender and professional care. Jean Dow and caregivers Rhonda, Nicole, Shelly, Lisa and Denise were loving and compassionate during Aunt Dot’s final days. Judy Ramedia, Dr. Austin and the Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice staff were empathetic, supportive and considerate as well as respectful of Aunt Dot’s wishes. Schooner superstars Mark Prevost and Frank Proulx not only provided lots of laughs, but looked after Aunt Dot in many caring ways throughout her 10 years there. For all these wonderful people and others whom we may have — regrettably — omitted, the Cluffs are sincerely grateful.