Doris H. Cowen joined the Odenton VFC Ladies Auxiliary in 1952. At the time of her death on April 21, 2019, she had 67 years of dedicated service.
Doris held the positions of Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer (for many, many years), Chaplain, and Vice Chaplain. She was active on the Ways and Means, Pins and Badges, Bingo, Fire Prevention, Sunshine, and Refreshment committees. Doris could always be counted on to help at the suppers, luncheons, bake sales, dances, New Year Eve Parties, bingos, carnivals, train shows, gun shows, wedding receptions, anniversary parties, birthday parties, candy making and sales, annual bowling banquets for the National Plastic Company, annual Marine banquet, bull and oyster roasts, catering jobs, crab feasts, crafts shows, flea markets, and Odenton Day. She served refreshments at the donkey ball games the fire company sponsored years ago. Doris prepared and delivered drinks and food to the fire locations during the brush fires Odenton had each spring and any two alarm fires the firemen responded to.
Many years ago, Doris worked with the Red Cross at a large apartment fire in Glen Burnie working afternoon, evening of fire, night, and the next day with the Red Cross registering residents where they were staying so the families could be informed. She took part in the Memorial Day services the Ladies Auxiliary and firemen had at Nichols Bethel Church in the 1950’s. The ladies dressed in uniform (marching unit uniform) and the firemen in their full dress uniform. She also participated in the Special Firemen and Ladies Auxiliary Fire Prevention Services at Nichols Bethel Church dressed in uniform.
Doris marched in the Ladies Marching Unit for the firemen parades at the annual carnivals and the convention parade in Anne Arundel County as well as statewide to include Maryland Day, I Am An American Day Parade, the parade starting Fire Prevention Week in Baltimore City, the Maryland State Fair opening, and the Maryland State Firemen’s Association convention parade in Ocean City a few years.
Doris was an active member of the Ladies Auxiliary to the Anne Arundel County Volunteer Firefighters Association. She served on the Ways and Means, Convention, Publicity, and Sunshine committees for many, many years. Doris attended countless meetings over the years in support of the County Ladies Auxiliary. She was in the first group of inductees in the County Auxiliary’s Hall of Fame on March 8, 1994.
Doris was a delegate for countless years at the Ladies Auxiliary to the Maryland State Firemen’s Association conferences and conventions.
Doris was a faithful supporter of the local, county, and state Ladies Auxiliary and always purchased raffle tickets to support their efforts.
Doris was an active member of the Trinity United Methodist Church in Woodwardville.
Doris was a good friend to many and will be sorely missed.