Obituary for Doris Angela Sauerwein (nee Messick)

Doris Angela Messick was born on July 27, 1942 in Baltimore, MD to Merrill and Ruth Messick. She was a graduate of Parkville Senior High School's Class of 1960 and completed the commercial course track. She went on to complete her Associates Degree at Harford Community College. In 1974 she graduated from Towson State University with a Bachelors Degree in Biology and a Minor in Chemistry and her teaching certificate. She also pursued a Master's Degree in Forensic Science.

She married William (Bill) D. Sauerwein of Parkville, MD on June 12, 1965. They celebrated 60 years of marriage this past June. She is also survived by their daughter, Kathy (Katie) Janel Hartry (Sauerwein), her husband, Adam T. Hartry, and 2 granddaughters. Aislinn C. Hartry (19) and Emma L. Hartry (15). An older brother, Merrill Messick Jr, of Baltimore, MD.

Doris' determination and work ethic earned her a position as an executive secretary for Triumph Motorcycle Company. She also worked with the Maryland State Police as a crime lab technician and in a medical lab as a technician. She was ultimately a science teacher for many years, covering the age ranges of middle and high schools in both public and private sector. She taught in Harford County and Baltimore County.

She was an avid lover of outdoor activities such as: hiking, swimming, and most especially bicycle riding. She rode the complete C&O canal path. She also rode many of the rail trails in: Virginia, W. Virginia, MD, and Pennsylvania. She was an avid target shooter as well. She traveled with Bill across the US. She equally enjoyed singing and dancing. She was also a strong supporter of the SPCA and always had animals in her home. Ranging from dogs to cats, a rabbit and even a chinchilla. Her love of animals also extended to her being a volunteer with the Department of Natural Resources and the Scales &Tales program. She loved taking their rehabilitated animals into the classrooms and educating children about the different species.

Doris also chaired the first foster care review boards for Harford County and Carroll County.

Doris passed peacefully on January 6, 2026 with her husband and daughter at her side.

The family asks that if a donation would be preferred to be made in lieu of flowers to please be made to one of the three organizations listed:

Alzheimer's Association

Maryland SPCA

Towson University Science Department in the name of Doris Angela Sauerwein

The family will receive visitors and guests at Ruck Funeral Home in Towson 1050 York Road, Towson, MD 21204 on January 14, 2026 during the times of 2-4 and 6-8. The funeral service will be conducted by Pastor Pat Goodman at Ruck Funeral Home on Thursday, January 15, 2026 @11AM. With internment at Dulaney Memorial Gardens to follow the service. The family will have a celebration of life, at a later date in the spring.