Doris R. Buckwalter

Doris Ruth (Twaddell) Buckwalter, a lifelong resident of Wilmington, Delaware, passed away on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, at the age of 94.

Born in 1931, Doris was the eldest daughter of the late Raymond Twaddell and Hattie Greenley Twaddell. The oldest of five children, she grew up alongside of her four younger brothers, Louis, Kenneth, Roger and Richard and remained part of a family whose roots were firmly planted in Wilmington.

Doris dedicated her professional life to caring for others as a nurse. She worked for Dr. Richard Brams until her retirement, serving in a profession that reflected the importance of compassion and care for others.

Doris married Dard Hunter Buckwalter and together they shared 56 years of marriage before his passing on October 14, 2010, exactly sixteen years to the day after her beloved husband.

Her greatest legacy lives on through her family. She is survived by her daughters Gail Buckwalter-Hagan, whose husband John Hagan predeceased her,  and Deidre Buckwalter-Osman and her husband Steve Osman, and her son, Michael McDyer. She was preceded in death by her son, Jeffrey Buckwalter, who is survived by his wife, Janice Armento-Buckwalter.

Doris was a proud grandmother to seven grandchildren, Melissa Hagan-Alves and her husband, Rui, Jonathan Hagan, Christopher Hagan, Lauren Rhoades, Andrew Rhoades and his wife, Paige, David Buckwalter and Philip Buckwalter.

Her family continues to grow through the next generation, Doris leaves behind her great-grandchildren, Zaria Alves, Baraka Alves, Ryker Dooling, Norah Rhoades, Noelle Rhoades and Mackenna Rhoades.

Doris will be remembered by her family for the life she lived, the years she shared with her husband and loved ones, and the lasting legacy of the family she helped build. Her memory will continue through her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all those lives she touched throughout her 94 years.

At Doris’ request, there will be no funeral and a Celebration of Life will be held by the family at a later date.