Westborough – Rev. Sylvia R. Doran, 94, of Westborough, Massachusetts, passed away on February 8, 2023, after a brief illness. Sylvia was born in Boston, Massachusetts on September 3, 1928. The daughter of James Murray Gavel and Lillian (Kesey) Gavel, she was raised in Medford, Massachusetts.
She was a 1950 graduate of Tufts University and earned her master’s and Doctorate from Boston University in 1954 and 1957 respectively.
Sylvia taught in Wellesley Public Schools for many years. Sylvia married Ralph C. Doran in 1972. They enjoyed spending time at their home in Brewster, MA, and wintered in Florida.
After Ralph passed away in 1984, Sylvia received her Master of Divinity from the Episcopal Divinity School in Cambridge, MA. She became an Anglican Priest in Canada serving two rural churches. Sylvia later returned to Westborough and was affiliated with St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church as a member of the clergy for several years.
Sylvia was a talented artist and shared her paintings with family and friends. She was a gentle, spiritual person who enjoyed music and writing poetry.
Sylvia is survived by her former sister-in-law Karen Gavel, her nephews Peter, Paul, and Matthew Gavel and her niece Kari Oevermann; many great nephews and great nieces; and close friends. Her brother, Leslie M. Gavel predeceased her in 2011, as well as a great nephew James M. Gavel in 2009.
Her funeral service will be on Saturday, February 25, 2023 at 10 A.M. at St Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 3 John Street, Westborough, Massachusetts. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to St.. Stephen’s Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, 3 John St., Westborough, Massachusetts 01581.
