Brunette, Doris Irene (Holmstrom) age 101 passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 24, 2021 at the Willows of Arbor Lakes in Maple Grove, Minnesota. Doris was born on February 19, 1920 to Gustaf (Oscar) and Bessie (Paulson) Holmstrom. Her childhood was spent in Greaney, Minnesota until moving to International Falls, Minnesota in 1936. There she met Raymond Brunette whom she married in 1942. They built a home on Rainy River that Doris adored and worked hard to preserve for over 50 years. During Bessie's lifetime, Doris and Ray would travel to Greaney most weekends to spend quality time with 'Ma'. Doris and Ray spent 38 years together until his passing in 1980. Although Doris and Ray were not blessed with children of their own, Doris became a second mother to many, including nieces, nephews, neighborhood children and children of her dear friends. Doris enjoyed a strong bond with her brother Bud and his family, including his children Deb, Jack, Diane and Ned, with whom they spent most holidays. Doris was fiercely loyal, compassionate, loving, energetic and fun. She mastered the art of teasing, a highlight of her character, which brought lasting humor to those around her. The teasing continued through the end with nephews Glenn and Jack only a phone call away to instigate her. Doris had a circle of friends that she cherished and remained steadfastly devoted to until their eventual passing. Doris meant the world to one little girl in particular, and this little girl forever held a special place in Doris's heart. Andrea Schuster (Walls) entered Doris's life at birth in 1976, and so began a lifetime of love between the two of them. Doris provided unconditional love, protection, guidance, loyalty and kindness to a little girl who otherwise may have struggled to find her way in this world. Doris and Andrea remained a daily part of each other's lives for nearly 45 years. Doris would often mention that she wished the Lord had blessed her with a family of her own, and Andrea would quickly remind her that God was saving Doris for her. Doris had many talents that she shared with the world, including cooking, sewing and gardening. Doris remained actively devoted to Zion Lutheran Church for over 60 years as a member of Martha's Circle until moving to Maple Grove, Minnesota in 2001 to live with Andrea (Walls Schuster) and Robert Harala, and their children Logan, Brody and Kathryn Doris. Doris is Grandma to the Harala children. There was no amount of love greater than the love she bestowed upon them. They will forever cherish their time spent with her, and her love will impact them for an eternity. Doris was preceded in death by her parents, Oscar and Bessie, sisters, Ida Goski and Dolly Boyer, brother, John (Bud), and nephews Ned Holmstrom and Roger Goski. Left to cherish Doris's memory are Andrea Schuster (Slade) and Robert Harala and their children Logan, Brody and Kathryn, sister-in-law Jeanne Holmstrom, nieces Deb Holmstrom, Diane (Lynn) Huseby, nephews Glenn (Sally) Goski and John II "Jack" (Cindy) Holmstrom. An open house celebration of life is being held at the residence of Slade and Andrea Schuster on Sunday, September 12, 2021 from 1-4PM. Address: 16616 78th Avenue N, Maple Grove, Minnesota, 55311 Doris's ashes will be buried next to her husband and mother at Forest Hill Cemetery in International Falls. A graveside service is planned for Friday, September 17, 2021 at 11AM with a luncheon at Zion Lutheran Church immediately following.

Published on August 29, 2021