Doris Gahwyler, 94, Longtime Darien Resident Who Loved Animals and the Arts

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Doris Gahwyler
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Doris Gahwyler, beloved by family and friends, passed away peacefully Tuesday evening, Jan. 8 at her home in Darien. She was 94 years old and a town resident for over half a century.

Doris Gahwyler obit

Doris Gahwyler, 94, passed away Jan. 8. Her funeral will be on Jan. 25.

Doris was born in Switzerland on May 23, 1924 and spent her formative years in the city of Lenzburg and her summers in Thun, Switzerland. She studied in Zurich, became a nurse and met the love of her life, Dr. Max Gahwyler, in the early 1940s.

After the Second World War, they married and moved to the United States. They worked together at hospitals in Kansas City, Asheville North Carolina and then New York City. In 1955 when Max started his pharmaceutical career with Pfizer Inc., the couple settled in Darien. Max predeceased Doris in May 2016.

Doris was an avid supporter of the arts, with a life-long appreciation for ballet, opera and classical music. Doris also had a great love for animals, managing a household filled with horses, dogs, cats, rabbits and sometimes even chickens.

Doris had a true passion for helping people unconditionally. To her family and many friends (both local and in Switzerland), she was always ready to lend an ear for stories or a hand for help.

She cared deeply for the town of Darien and was actively involved in the community. Doris and Max were great supporters of Ox Ridge Hunt Club, inspiring young and older riders alike and were a part of the faithful glue that held that community of horse enthusiasts together over the decades.

an obituary from Edward Lawrence Funeral Home

Doris was also a volunteer at both The Lighthouse for the Blind in New York and The Waveny Care Center in New Canaan.

Doris was a beloved family member, a mentor and friend to so many people, and her passing will be grieved by all who knew her. Her Swiss family will miss her tremendously as will her “adopted” family, the Handlers, who were blessed to have her in their lives since 1969.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, Jan. 25, 2019 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 1864 Post Road, Darien. Please make memorial donations to a favorite charity of your choice.

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