Doreen Ethel Ralph

Doreen Ethel Ralph was born February 2, 1936, in Sunderland, England, and passed away peacefully on the morning of May 23, 2025, at the age of 89. In the most tender testament to true love, Doreen joined her beloved husband Brian just thirteen days after his passing. They were inseparable in life and are together again now, holding hands and dancing as they always did. June 30, 2025 would have marked their 69th wedding anniversary—a love story that began when Doreen was just 13 and Brian 14, enduring as one of the most beautiful romances for the ages.

Doreen is survived by her cherished son Jonathan (Eulalia) Ralph, devoted daughter Lorraine (Mark Boyce) Bradshaw, beloved grandchildren Jacqueline (Neal) Siejka, Brian (Taylor) Ralph, Max Bradshaw, Sophia (Asher) Bradshaw Zundel, and treasured great-grandchildren Grant Siejka and Daphne Ralph.

At thirteen, Doreen moved to Liverpool, England, where destiny introduced her to Brian. After completing secretarial school, she built a distinguished career before embarking on a grand adventure to New York in 1974, supporting Brian's expanding role with GEC-Marconi. There, she flourished as an active member of the British Women's Club, cultivating lifelong friendships while establishing herself as a respected Production Coordinator for Ngaere Macray Books, where she specialized in the exquisite floral works of Graham Stuart Thomas.

Doreen possessed the gift of a green thumb, nurturing not only beautiful gardens but also passing this cherished passion to her daughter Lorraine and granddaughter Sophia. Her culinary artistry was legendary—every meal she prepared was a labor of love that Brian savored completely. She became the keeper of family traditions, sharing treasured British recipes and customs that now live on through her children and grandchildren. Her mastery of pastry-making created decades of extraordinary pies and desserts that remain family legend.

The devoted couple transformed the world into their playground, collecting memories from every corner of the globe. Doreen's razor-sharp wit and infectious laughter were the perfect complement to Brian's humor, filling their home with joy and merriment. Together, they cheered Liverpool FC through countless matches, sharing their passion for the beautiful game.

In 1997, they began their golden chapter in Cape Haze, Florida, embracing 28 magnificent years of retirement rich with international adventures, leisurely golf rounds, and a constellation of dear friendships. When they moved to their home in Punta Gorda in early 2020, they discovered a neighborhood family with Jonathan and Eulalia just moments away.

Through Brian's journey with dementia, Doreen's love never faltered. She became his devoted caregiver, his anchor, his constant companion. Their extraordinary bond remained unbreakable, and Brian's profound love for Doreen burned bright until his final breath. Now these eternal soulmates have reunited, hand in hand once more.

The family will host a Celebration of Life later this year. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Foundation.

Dearest Doreen, you are loved beyond measure. Your stories, your laughter, your wisdom will echo through generations as we share your beautiful legacy with your great-grandchildren and all who follow. Together with Brian, “You’ll Never Walk Alone."