Obituary of Doraine E Bingham

Doraine E. (Friedmann) Bingham went to heaven peacefully at the age of 103, on July 15, 2023 in Bloomington, MN. Her daughter Nancy was at her side when she passed. Hours earlier they “treasured” tender moments on Zoom with Doraine's out-of-state children, Pam and Bob Bingham, and daughter-in-law, Kathryn Sitter. Sadly Doraine’s oldest daughter, Janet Baloga, preceded her in death three weeks earlier.

Doraine was born in St. Paul, MN on November 3, 1919, and graduated from Central High School in St. Paul, MN. Next she trained and worked in the bloodwork laboratory at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN where she was involved in a study which discovered the blood factor for preventing fatal immune reactions. Later while raising a family, Doraine worked part-time in retail sales and as a pharmacy clerk at Dayton’s Department Store in Edina, MN.

Doraine and her husband Richard (Bill) were married for 51 years, and had four children together fulfilling her childhood dream of raising a family. She has five grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Doraine was nourished by music and started playing the piano at the age 8. She later studied harp, but her ongoing joy for decades was a Lowrey Organ with all the bells and whistles. Doraine even volunteered to play the organ at grocery stores for a music company in Tucson, AZ! She also sang with the first women’s barbershop quartet called the “Sweet Adelines” when she was 30 years old.

Never letting age define her, Doraine learned to tap dance at age 55 and performed extensively with a senior group called the Rhinestone Rockettes, and a Vaudeville production called the New Fogey Follies. She also enjoyed traveling and exploring the U.S.A. and Europe with her husband when their children were grown.

Doraine was an avid reader and that motivated her to join a “Retired Senior Volunteer Program” to become a literacy tutor for adults seeking to improve their reading skills. The innovative teaching method used was very successful, and her students were a joy. Doraine received an honorary award for 27 years of extensive tutoring at Metro South Adult Basic Education. She also served as a volunteer sponsor for Al-Anon until the day she passed on!

Doraine almost reached the age 104 years by persevering through all of life’s challenges. Her motto was, “I’d do it all over again!” Doraine’s secret to longevity was mainly due to her joy in raising a family, her love of music and dancing, and her habit of daily exercise. We give special thanks to the exceptional health providers, family, and friends who supported and prayed for Doraine’s well-being throughout her life. Her final 7 years were truly blessed by living at Presbyterian Homes in Bloomington, MN.

Doraine was preceded in death by parents Joseph and Lottie (Rauch) Friedmann; former husband Richard (Bill) Bingham; daughter Janet Baloga; and brothers Dude Friedmann (Lorraine), and Richard Friedmann (Dorothy). She is survived by children Pam Bingham (Silvia Malagrino), Nancy Bingham, and Bob Bingham (Kathryn Sitter); grandchildren Scott (Diane) Frankenberg, Laura Miner, Maya, Kyra, and Bena Bingham; great grandchildren Haley, Brent, and Madison Miner; and many other extended family members and friends.

Although Doraine requested that no memorial service be held, memorial gifts can be given to Metro South Adult Basic Education.

Make checks payable to: ISD271, and designate "Metro South” in the memo.

Mail to: Metro South, ATTN: Jill, 2575 W 88th St Bloomington, MN 55431.