Say the name Doris Welch to anyone on the Boothbay region peninsula and a warm smile instantly appears and an exhale of “she’s amazing” immediately follows.

Welch is all about community — and it’s no wonder.

Welch was born in Houlton to William and June Stanley. When Doris was two years of age the Stanleys moved to Lubec. Born of hardworking parents who always put the well being of their family first, June Stanley was a stay at home mother. It was not until Doris and her brother were older that June Stanley joined the work force in the sardine industry in Lubec. Doris’ father was employed for many years at Coast Fisheries of Maine. After it closed, he worked on poultry farms and harvested wood.

Welch attended the Lubec school system K-12. Taking commercial business courses, Welch graduated from high school in 1966 with an emphasis in business. Throughout high school, she was a cheerleader for the basketball team and a member of the Glee Club and Future Homemakers of America (FHA). She was also a member of her local Grange and participated in the Youth Degree Team throughout grade school and high school.

Immediately after graduating high school, she moved to Boothbay Harbor and worked as a nanny for her high school home economics teacher who summered with her children in Boothbay Harbor.

When not taking care of the children, Welch waitressed at Robin’s Luncheonette now known as McSeagull’s. It was while she was waiting tables at Robin's that she met her husband, Ralph "Skip" Welch. Not long after their chance meeting, Doris and Skip were married. Married for 48 years, together they enjoy four children and eight grandchildren.

During the first year of their marriage, Welch attended Plus Gray School of Business. She graduated in 1967 with an emphasis on computer processing (key punching cards, program panels for mail merge, etc.). Returning to live full time in Boothbay Harbor, Welch soon became a “stay at home mom.” During those years, she also embraced the opportunity to babysit, in her home, children of neighbors and friends.

When her own children entered school, Welch found herself at the Boothbay Region YMCA babysitting infants and pre-schoolers. For more than three years, Welch provided childcare Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to noon to children whose mothers were in YMCA exercise classes.

“I was helping those mothers who wanted to attend exercise classes like Nan Davison, Peggy Pinkham, Cindy Smith, Pam Baldwin and Maureen Kinsey,” she said. 

At that time, Jack Rego was the executive director.

Beginning in September 1984 until January 2015, Doris worked full time at the BRYMCA.

Her tenure began under the direction of Executive Director Mike Harrison. Working alongside Alice Vannah, Welch’s first job was as the receptionist at the front desk. During her 30 years at the YMCA, she worked in membership and fund development. She retired from the YMCA as the administrative assistant to Executive Director Andy Hamblett.

Service to the student aid fund

From 1998 until her retirement in 2015 Doris dedicated her “after work” time to the Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund. Welch fondly recalls the days when BRSAF had no database and how she worked with Phil Smith to develop a better way to “produce a list” and get the letters out. She describes a time when there was not a computer, when solicitation was door-to-door and letters (solicitation) were “occasionally” sent out.

To this day, Welch said she fondly remembers Smith’s confidence and determination that the two of them could take BRSAF to a higher level. With the support of Mike Harrison and the help of Tom Prouty (a local plumber and BRSAF board member) a computer was set up and software was downloaded.

“Like anything in life, you learn as you go,” Welch said.

In the end, they found a software package that filled their needs and it was still in use at the time of her retirement.

According to Welch, the first donor list had approximately 1,000 names on it. At that time, her responsibilities included but were not limited to: printing the solicitation letters, addressing the envelopes, recording all gifts received, sending out thank you notes, and keeping all donor lists up-to-date.

Welch is quick to point out that there was only one mailing, in early October, for many years. A paid volunteer from October to December, during the remaining nine months, Welch donated her time to BRSAF. At the time of her retirement, her duties and responsibilities had evolved and with advanced technology she found herself running letters and handing them off to board members who were adding personal notes.

“I became the go-to support staff for BRSAF,” Welch said.

When asked what thoughts she’d like to share with the Boothbay region community about the Boothbay Student Aid Fund, Welch beamed, and with that remarkable sparkle in her eyes, said: “I like the consistency of the effort. Regardless of who’s on the board, I was inspired by their determination and devotion to serve and make it possible for every student to go on to school.

“Knowing that you can get some help (financial) has been an encouragement for some to go on to school. I’ve noticed changes with the board in that they’re all working hard for the same cause. I’ve always had a good rapport with all the members on the board.

“Even though I didn’t attend the meetings they always gave me what I needed. It’s a great organization that is looking out for our future generations through better education.

“My involvement with the Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund gave me a very rewarding feeling. I gave my time and in return BRSAF helped three of my children. The payback was priceless,” Welch said.

Since her retirement from the BRYMCA and the Boothbay Region Student Aid Fund, Welch is enjoying the time she’s spending with Skip and her family. Even though she is now on the “other side” of the desk, her morning still starts with her signature, “Good morning how are you today,” but now she says it as she checks in to her morning exercise class at the YMCA.

Welch is also the financial secretary for the Boothbay Harbor Methodist Church and a member of the Order of Eastern Star serving two years as Worthy Matron.