Obituary of Douchka Alexandra Herschel Noren

NOREN, Douchka Alexandra Herschel, tireless champion of animals and dozens of charities, died while asleep at home in Tarpon Springs, Florida June 4, 2021 at 72 years of age.

Douchka was born in Oudenrijn Utrecht, The Netherlands, February 26th, 1948 to Joseph George Herschel, Physician and Leonora Adolfina Emma de Vries, both concentration camp survivors.

Early childhood photos show her interacting with a variety of animals. As a young child and through college Douchka was an accomplished equestrian, competing internationally in Dressage. Her many trophies decorated her home office.

Douchka earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the State University of The Netherlands at Utrecht in 1976. She then moved to Ithaca, New York and worked for two years as a Post-doctoral Fellow at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Upon completion of her research project, Douchka went on to teach Veterinary Medicine at Mississippi State University, Starkville.

In 1980 she moved to Cleveland, Ohio where she married William Noren and later earned her MBA from Cleveland State University. Upon moving to Clearwater Florida in 1983, Douchka became active as a major fundraiser and Board Member of many area charities. She became an American citizen in 1984, though always maintained her Dutch citizenship.

After Bill’s death, Douchka remarried. She and PGA Master Professional Earl P. Maurer wed on 2/20/2002 in Las Vegas. They travelled the world together, often playing golf along the way. While she led a very private life at home, when out in her community Douchka spoke to everyone she encountered, asking piercing questions and sharing her unvarnished opinions without hesitation. This trait, while startling to many, often won people over, as evidenced by her many devoted friends. Her genuine, deep interest in the people around her was a refreshing antidote to dull, polite conversation.

Douchka is survived by her husband Earl, niece Lillian Maurer, nephew Eric Maurer, cousins in The Netherlands and numerous dear friends.

All who knew her are invited to a celebration of her life Tuesday July 13th, 3:00 until 5:00 at Cypress Run Golf Club, 2669 St Andrews Blvd, Tarpon Springs, Florida.