Obituary of Doris Ann Cosgrove

Doris Ann Jakubik was born in Chicago, Illinois on June 15, 1935, the first child of John (Jack) and Magdalen (Mae). Raised in Detroit, Doris and her family, which now included sister Barbara and brother Jack, moved to Long Beach, California in 1952. A graduate of Long Beach Wilson High School, Doris became an executive secretary at Hughes Aircraft. She was very active in the young adult group at St. Anthony’s Church, where she made many lifelong friends and met her husband, Paul Cosgrove. Doris and Paul were married at St. Anthony’s on February 15, 1958 and settled into a small apartment. Soon, daughter Maureen was born, and the young family moved into their first house, on Walkerton Street in Long Beach. In 1962, the growing area of Orange County beckoned and Doris, Paul and Maureen moved to Garden Grove. Two short years later, Doris and Paul’s family was complete with the arrival of son, Jim. Doris was a working mom for many years, employed as an executive secretary/office manager for a wide variety of companies during her career - Hughes Aircraft, the Orange County Master Calendar, The City Shopping Center, Bill Van Porsche/Audi, Factory Mutual Insurance, the Law Offices of Martin Cohen, and Greeley Metals. She even had a short stint working at KIK-FM radio station but left after a few months because the loud country music played all day in the office drove her crazy! Doris was a very hard worker, appreciated for her dependability, good humor, creativity, and dedication. Doris was also very active as a member of St. Callistus Parish. She taught CCD for several years, was active helping plan parish and school social activities, and along with Paul, ran the Dime Pitch Booth at the Parish Festival for many years. Doris’ faith was very important to her, and her life was enriched by the many lifelong friendships she enjoyed with the people she met at St. Callistus. Where Doris really shined was as a wife, mother, and grandmother. She was extremely organized and always inquisitive, looking for ways to keep life in the Cosgrove household running smoothly, but also making things fun. She was a devoted caretaker of Paul throughout his life, but especially in his last years. She gave all her family a gift of additional time with Paul because her dedicated efforts helped him enjoy a very productive and impactful last decade. Doris was a wonderful mother, with Jim and Maureen always her top priority. She taught them the basics needed to survive and thrive in life, but she also instilled in both children her values - the importance of family, the value of education, being true to your word and your commitments, and making sure to get the most of this Life. Perhaps more than anything else, Doris loved being a grandmother. When first granddaughter Kaila was born, Doris was over the moon. Melissa, Ryan and Amy all elicited the same response from Doris. She truly adored each of her grandchildren and made each one feel special. She was very tuned into their unique personalities and found delight in their adventures growing up. All four grands were an enormous source of pride and joy for Doris. Doris’ story would not be complete without mentioning the many friends she treasured throughout her years - from the Antonians, to the neighborhood “Card Club” gals, to her many friends at St. Callistus, including the wonderful “Birthday Club” ladies, to her many Clay-mate friends all over the country, and to the amazing friends she made in her last years among the residents and staff at Park Plaza. Doris was a cherished friend of many, and she loved them all just as much. If one’s life is judged by the impact they make on the world and the lives they touch, there is no doubt that Doris lived a remarkable life - one filled with faith, commitment, humor, passion, and above all else, love. She will be missed enormously by her family and friends. She is truly irreplaceable…..