Doris Ann Bracken, 87 of Lexington Park, MD died December 2, 2009 at her residence.

Born July 2, 1922 in New York City, NY to the late Irving and Frances Dydyski-Kautz onboard a steam tugboat in New York City, Doris never learned how to swim. She was the wife of Harold Joseph Bracken, whom she met and fell in love with at the age of 16 while riding the subway to school. They married five years later in September of 1943.

She is survived by her three daughters; Doris Frances Shorback (Charles), Patricia Ann Biscoe (John), and Helen Jeanette Philyaw (Jackie), seven grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Doris was preceded in death by her sisters Dorothy Mae Kautz and Helen Jackson, as well as a brother, William Jackson. Family will receive friends on Monday, December 7, 2009 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A., Leonardtown, MD with a Funeral Service conducted at 4:30 p.m. with Monsignor Karl Chimiak officiating.

Inurnment will be held on Thursday, December 10, 2009 at 2 p.m. in Arlington National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of St. Mary's Inc., P.O. Box 625, Leonardtown, MD 20650.

Arrangements provided by the Brinsfield Funeral Home, P.A.