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Dori Pelz-Sherman, PhD, 57, died after a 15 month battle with ovarian cancer on July 13, 2017. She was born in LaPorte, IN on June 1, 1960. She was a brilliant, passionate artist who transformed herself into a teacher, then a multimedia producer, a devoted and nurturing mother, and finally a clinical psychologist. She earned degrees from Indiana University (Art and English), San Diego State (Educational Technology), and Fielding Graduate University (Psychology). Dori lived and worked in rural Indiana, Santa Fe NM, Minneapolis MN, San Diego CA, Apex NC, and San Rafael CA, before finally settling in Cary, NC for the last 11 years. She worked at UNC hospital serving mothers with postpartum issues, and maintained a private practice specializing in Jungian Sandplay therapy.
Dori is survived by Michael Pelz-Sherman, her husband of 29 years, and their three children: Aidan, Isaac, and Ziona, siblings: Sue (John) Bahr, Don (Linda) Pelz, Sandy Biela, and Richard Pelz, and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be held at 10:00 AM on Sunday, July 16th at Temple Beth Or, 5315 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612. A graveside service will be held at 1:00PM on Tuesday, July 18th at Temple of Aaron Cemetery in St. Paul, MN.
Donations in Dori's memory may be sent to the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (http://ovarian.org), or Transitions Life Care (https://transitionslifecare. org/).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home.
September 7, 2017
Susan Conder
I will be forever grateful for the help Dr. Dori gave our family. She was a skilled professional and a wonderful human being. My deepest condolences to her family.
July 24, 2017
Michelle Listim
Dori was devoted to her children, and helped my son too. May her memory be for a blessing.
July 23, 2017
Dori was a brilliant student and outstanding friend. She put every effort into supporting and helping others. Her bright smile and quick wit and talents will be missed by all. She was a devoted mother whose devotion was obvious to all. My prayers to you, Dori and to your beautiful family.
Love and peace to you,
Suzanne McKann (fellow Fielding Graduate Student)
July 23, 2017
Ann Skinner
I only knew Dori for a short time when we both volunteered with the Mom's Supporting Moms group here in Raleigh. She was one of the kindest and caring people I ever met and I am so sorry for your great loss. You are in my prayers.
July 22, 2017
Dear Michael and Family,
Jim and I are so sorry for your loss, we know how much you loved Dori. We connected at your Christmas Concert, she truly enjoyed watching you sing and act. Dori and your daughter sat behind me, and we could not stop talking. She was special and loving.
Jim and Gwen Pinnix
July 19, 2017
Jeanie Metivier
There are no words that describe the loss of Dori. She was truly amazing. I remember When she graduated form Fielding Graduate University. I had going to her Final Oral Review of her Dissertation. We shared in common having children with Autism. I once had her speak at the first Northeast Kingdom Autism Conference in Vermont. She wowed everybody with her knowledge and expertise. I was always so amazed by her. About 18 months ago she reconnected with me. She was was so supportive of me finishing my PhD. I will never forget her guidance. My research is also in Autism. I will never forget our long chats in Santa Barbara. I will never forget her smile. Hugs and Love to her family!
July 19, 2017
Kerri Bridges
I am so sorry for your loss, I remember your Mom well as an awesome, dedicated, lovely person. Peace to you all.
July 18, 2017
Tim Backer
With honour and respect for a well-lived life - a woman who formed my character as a young artist, as a young man, as an Imagination - I offer condolences. She deserves her due place in cherished memory.
July 17, 2017
Friend
Juanita McCabe
Your bright light has made the the world a better place. Farewell dear friend, you will be sorely missed-until we meet again.
July 17, 2017
Keta Paulson
RIP Dori
July 16, 2017
Mae Wheeler
Thoughts and prayers for the family, Don and Linda, at this most difficult time. So sorry for your loss.
July 16, 2017
Gary Miller
Sorry Rich for lost of your sister Dori. God give you the strength and peace that you need now.
July 16, 2017
Kathleen Dugan
Michael : I met Dori at Indiana university as she lived on my dorm floor . She roomed with My husbands cousin and I was Sandy Lucas' roommate ... as Sandy and I were from Columbus. Dori was majoring in art education and I was in art -painting . I would hear about Dori from Sandy and Mark's cousin over the years. Dori connected back again by both having twins @ the same time diagnosed with ASD . We shared the highs and lows of parenting and I helped Dori with soliciting people to take part in one of her research studies with her Phd as well as providing her portraits of kids on the spectrum . - ones that I painted . I am so sorry that Dori, a person so vital , so energetic, so smart and enthusiastic has been taken too soon from you and your children . She is a wonderful person in my memories of her . I wish you peace in your journey of loss and hope that memories of Dori will be a source of comfort for you and your children. With sympathy - KathleenDugan
July 16, 2017
Kathryn Mowat Murphy
Much love to you all on this sad occasion.
July 15, 2017
Susan Razmic
Thoughts and prayers of comfort and peace to your family.
July 15, 2017
Debbie Welch
My son and Dori's sons Aidan and Isaac were in group therapy together when they were young. I was shocked to hear of her passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you Michael and family. She was a compassionate and thoughtful lady.
July 15, 2017
Stephen Olmsted
I want to express my condolences to the family and friends of Dori. She was a friend and a colleague and I will miss her. As recently as April we talked about resuming our collaboration with writing and teaching. With sympathy,
Stephen W Olmsted
July 14, 2017
Debbie Jackson
I feel extremely fortunate to have found Dori. The care and comfort she provided at an extremely difficult time was the kind only she could provide. I hope her loved ones are as fortunate to find this same kind of comfort, kindness and care at this time. She is a soul to be celebrated. Thank you Dori..from me, my husband and my 18 month old son Waylan.
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