Doris Stubben

Doris Clarice Fanchin Stubben’s Eulogy – In Her Own Voice
Greetings, family, friends, neighbors, and loved ones.
This is a little different, isn’t it? Not everyone gets the chance to write their own eulogy, and I recognize how unique this moment is. I feel very blessed to have this opportunity. And even more so to have lived the life I did. I want to start by saying thank you. Thank you to my family, to my friends, and to the neighbors who have been such a part of my life. You’ve all shaped it, brightened it, and made it fuller.
I’ve always felt surrounded by love. I came from a big, warm family, full of wonderful memories and even more laughter, thanks especially to my hilarious brothers and sisters. My Dad and Tio Vasco always made me laugh so much. Growing up, I never questioned if I was loved, and that sense of belonging stayed with me my whole life.
I’m grateful beyond words to have had three loving children, each of you with your own amazing spouses, who gave me beautiful grandchildren, and even a step-great-granddaughter. Truly, I could not have asked for more. You are my proudest accomplishment, and knowing you are loving, kind, and good people has made my heart full. You know you are loved. Never forget that.
To my friends, many of whom I’ve known since college days, you’ve been a steady, joyful part of this life. Thank you for the years of laughter, long talks, shared holidays, and for showing up for me time and again. And to my neighbors, after 35 years in the same place, I can say honestly: you were more than just the people next door. You became part of my extended family. I have cherished our time together.
And now, Dave. My Dave. My husband and my best friend of more than 52 years. Most importantly, I want to thank you—for a life filled with laughter, shared dreams, and so much joy. We traveled the world together, and we built a life rich with love, friendship, and adventure. I know you will be taken care of, and I will miss you deeply. But I also know we’ll never truly be apart.
Thanks to Dave, I got to follow my heart and have my dream job—teaching preschool for over 20 years. I had once thought about nursing, but I realized that it takes a special kind of person to work with little ones—and I found where I was meant to be. I believe I gave many children a joyful, meaningful start in life, and I’m proud of the relationships I built with their families, many of whom I have stayed in touch with over the years. There’s something incredibly special about reading to a child, about helping them discover their world—and I got to do that every day.
I feel like I have had the kind of life that many dream of. We have traveled all over the world. Some of my favorite memories were going camping in Yosemite with the whole family, taking an unforgettable Christmas Disney Cruise—Silent Disco and all—crossing the country numerous times in our plane and RV, the Royal Caribbean Cruise with Bob and Madeline, going to the World’s Fair in Canada, and our last big family trip to Vegas last year in February… all of it was magical. I have found so much joy in this life, and I wouldn’t know how to add to it.
When I reflect on my purpose in life, it’s simple: to raise kind and capable children—both at home and in my classroom. If you remember me, let it be for my kindness and empathy.
As for what comes next… well, I believe in Jesus and Christianity, but I also believe in openness. Whatever you believe, whatever religion or spirituality you practice—whatever afterlife you hope for—I hope that’s exactly what you find. I know there’s some kooky stuff out there, but at the end of the day, faith is personal. I talk to my mom all the time, and I hope you’ll talk to me too. I’ll be there—in your head, in your heart, giving you advice like I always have.
So here’s what I’ll leave you with:
Treat every day like it’s the first day of your honeymoon… and the last day of your vacation.
Live fully, love deeply, and laugh often.
I will miss you, but I know you will all care for each other in the way I cared for you. I love you all, and I thank you for giving me the life I always hoped for.

OBITUARY:
Doris Clarice (Fanchin) Stubben was born in Caxias do Sul, Brazil on March 20, 1954. Her Italian parents Dante and Nayr Fanchin and sister Alice immigrated to the US in 1958. They settled in Fontana, California. Doris attended Fontana High School, Chafey College and San Bernardino Valley College. She married David Stubben in 1973. They resided in Costa Mesa, Santa Clara, Milpitas, Fremont and, for the last 35 years, Cameron Park. Doris taught preschool for 20 years.
She was known for her kindness and love for children and family. She was a beautiful, wonderful wife, excellent homemaker and caring mother and nona. She was an avid talented quilter and long time member of Sew For Vets. She loved to travel, visited six continents, enjoyed river and ocean cruises as well as taking many motorhome and private aircraft trips. Her only shortcoming was that she would not clean the fish that her husband caught.
She is survived by her husband David, children Lori Stubben, Julie Ornelas and Rob Stubben, and siblings Alice Path, Al Fanchin, Elenore Garvin, Ed Fanchin and Diana Kessel. After fighting Lymphoma for nearly 6 years, Doris joined her mom and dad in heaven on February 25, 2026.
Doris’ Celebration of Life will be held at Green Valley Mortuary, Rescue, CA on March 7 at 10:00AM. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Blood Cancer United in memory of Doris Stubben.