Doris M. (O'Connor) McAvoy, of Melrose, died peacefully on August 26th, 2017 at the age of 88. Doris was born in Chelsea, MA on May 6, 1929 to James & Mary Alice (Flynn) O'Connor. She was raised in East Boston & Winthrop, and graduated from Fitten High School. Doris went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree from Mt. St. Mary's College. She worked as a Lab Technician at Boston City Hospital prior to starting her own family, and after raising her children Doris went to work as the Asst. Activities director for the Dexter House in Malden, as a volunteer at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital and later as a volunteer Ombudsman serving patients at local nursing homes. Doris married her husband, James, in 1955 at St. John's Church in Winthrop. They had five children and raised them in Melrose. They lived a million stories they could tell together with a lot of laughs. They had a tight knit group of neighbors and had a lot of fun raising families and having adventures together. In her spare time Doris enjoyed gardening, music, a good party and had a love for animals which led to the family having a variety of pets over the years including her beloved cocker spaniels (Tammy, Toby, Teddy, Andy, Missie and Maggie). She collected and made dolls and was active in the Arts & Crafts Society in Melrose. She had a wonderful group of friends who met regularly for Mass, line dancing, yoga and lunch at the Irish Shop to share stories and complain about their loving families. Doris & James spent 50 summers in Harwich, MA with their family. Doe took care of everyone around her and was always up for an adventure. She loved her family and friends very much, and will be greatly missed by them all. She was the beloved wife of Atty. James A. McAvoy Jr. of Peabody, formerly of Melrose. Loving mother of James D. McAvoy & his wife Pamela of Saco, ME, & their children Alice & Hannah, Daniel J. McAvoy & his wife Candice Gemski of Medfield, & their daughter Sofia, Carol E. O'Leary & her husband Jerard of Saugus, & their children Madelyn & Matthew, Peter J. McAvoy & his wife Heather of Winchester, & their children Connor & Kathryn, and Patrick M. McAvoy & his wife Ellen of Melrose, & their children Seamus, Griffin, Bridget, & Aiden. Visiting Hours will be held at the Gately Funeral Home, 79 W. Foster St., Melrose, on Wed., Aug. 30, from 4-8 PM. Funeral Procession from the Gately Funeral Home on Thurs., Aug. 31, at 9 AM, followed by a 10 AM Funeral Mass at St. Mary's Church, 9 Herbert St., Melrose. Interment in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Relatives & friends are respectfully invited to attend. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, P.O. Box 96011, Washington, D.C. 20090-6011.