Doris Gwendolyn Bascomb, 100, of Cambridge entered into eternal rest on Monday, March 30, 2020. Known as Mum to her children and as Gran Gran to her grandchildren and great grandchildren, Doris was born in Cambridge on April 29, 1919 to Edmund Lynch and Viola Bascomb. She was preceded in death by her four younger siblings, Myrtle Mitchell, Melvin Downes, Lloyd Bascomb, and Vera Bascomb. Life for young Doris was not easy. After returning to Barbados with her mother, she abandoned her formal education to work in the sugarcane fields where she endured grueling physical labor from sunup to sundown. She would often find refuge in the home of her grandparents, Josh and Lavinia (Mitty) Lynch, who doted on her. Doris was known to acquire extra work to supplement the family income, in addition to cooking, cleaning, and laundering clothes in those days by hand with a jooking board.Thanks to the encouragement of family physician and friend Dr. David Payne, Doris returned to the United States in 1968. Remaining in Barbados was her dear friend and mentor Beatrice Harewood, known as Muh Ma. In addition to being a friend, Muh Ma held a special place in Doris’ life as the midwife who delivered all of her children. Alone, but determined, Doris seized the opportunity of a new life in Cambridge, thus creating a path for her children to emigrate. The family eventually resided on Putnam Avenue where they lived for many years. Doris worked at the Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary before retiring in 1984. Undaunted by a leg impairment, she worked many hours to single-handedly provide for her family. Like many of her generation, she did not complain, but simply did what she had to do. This is especially true as it relates to her children, as she lived her life in service to them by devoting herself to their betterment, and insisting that they were respectful and not embarrass themselves (or her.) Her support inspired them to excel and pursue their dreams. Doris was known to be a sassy, candid, non-nonsense woman. Her wit and sharp tongue never subsided, even in her old age. Although she did not tolerate foolishness, she was generous and quick to share what she had with others. She displayed her love through her actions, her playfulness, and her sarcasm. Doris lived through the Great Depression and every war since World War I. It was her faith that enabled her to persevere through life’s many struggles. She enjoyed going to church, and was a member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church and the Church of the Nazarene in Cambridge. She especially enjoyed day trips and excursions to New York City with her fellow parishioners. In her last years, she could still be found reciting the Lord’s Prayer and scripture verses. Doris Gwendolyn BascombApril 29, 1919 to March 30, 2020
In retirement, Doris enjoyed nightly telephone calls with family and friends after watching Wheel of Fortune, and enjoyed a nightcap of Hennessey brandy “to put heat in the body.” As a resident of Coolidge Hill Health Center in Watertown, she fostered relationships with staff and residents alike. She thoroughly enjoyed being around people. Sitting by the door of the common room, she welcomed visits from family; greeted staff with fist pumps; and kept a watchful eye on the activities of the other residents. At 100, she was still physically strong and had a hearty appetite and a strong grip. She loved coconut bread, salt fish cou cou, ice cream, and a bit of rabbit.Doris is survived by her children: Kenneth and his wife Carolyn of Cambridge; Vinithia Veronica, also of Cambridge; Emerson and his wife Dianna of Troy, AL; Calvin of Lanham, MD; and Michael of Acton, MA. She also leaves son-in-law Anthony Clarke; sister-in-law Jean Downes; close friend and prayer partner Lillian Lowe; 11 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and a host of relatives and friends. A daughter Evelyn, son Samuel, and son-in-law Ernest are already awaiting her in glory. She will be dearly missed by her loved ones, who celebrate that she is at peace with the Lord. Due to the COVID-19 epidemic, Doris’ memorial service will be held at a future date.