Mary Kathryn Doom

Mary Kathryn (Childs) Doom was born July 10, 1928, and departed this earthly realm peacefully surrounded by friends and family on August 28, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband of 45 years William J. Doom.  Mary met William (Joe) on a train the Santa Fe’s El Capitan in 1950. Their romance was written by Julie Rosenbaum-Engelhardt for the Feb. edition of Newburgh Magazine Feb-March 2018. For mom and dad, it was love at first sight.  Mary was transferring to Ma Bell in Long Beach, CA.  Joe was traveling from Long Beach to Japan and then Korea. They corresponded by letters (snail mail) and when he returned from Korea in 1952, they were married.   She was a devoted mother and wife full of wit, spunk and wisdom.  Her laugh was infectious.  She was an introvert who always became the life of the party when she didn’t mean too. Mary was wonderful to talk to. She made sure her only child, Karen Jean, received as many experiences as she could.  She was a brilliant seamstress as well as an artist. and chef.  She and her husband William J. Doom instilled a love of music, art and reading that compelled their daughter to receive her BA in Art History/Eastern European History and master’s in library science from IU.  Karen also studied voice and sang at many events.  Mary was an amazing mother and will be missed.  She was full of grace. Her light will never be extinguished.

Mary was preceded in death by William Joe Doom as well as her three siblings Richard Childs (Mary Jane) Jay Childs and her beloved sister Jeane Rhinesmith.  She is survived by her daughter (b.1962) Karen J. (nee’ Doom) Tannenbaum, William’s brother Dwight, Mary Katherine Owen, Louise Doom preceded by Howard Price Doom, Linda Sue Murphy and James Doom and his wife Mary E.  She has many nieces, grand nieces and nephews, and grand nephews.

Mary wanted a celebration of life outside in nature.  Arrangements are being made for a potluck picnic and eulogy with music in May 2026. Announcements will be made via email, messenger, and Facebook.

Donations may be made to The Vanderburgh Humane Society, PAAWS and Temple Adath B’nai Israel, and Linda White Hospice.  Special thanks to Simple Cremation.