Williamsburg, August 21, 2025
News Summary
The Williamsburg community is in mourning following the loss of two prominent figures in local golf, Ellen Lorensen and Doris Sjostrom Gilfillan. Both women profoundly impacted their community through their dedication to golf, service, and family, leaving behind a legacy of friendship and hospitality. Their contributions to local clubs and organizations reflected their love for both the sport and the bonds created on the fairways. Memorial services for both women are scheduled for August 23, 2025, and the community is encouraged to honor their legacies through attendance and donations.
Williamsburg — Community Mourns Two Beloved Golfing Figures and Longtime Neighbors
The Williamsburg community is quieter this summer after the passing of two women who left big footprints on the fairways, in service and in the lives of neighbors: Ellen Lorensen, 85, and Doris Sjostrom Gilfillan, 84. Both were fixtures in local social and golf circles, and both are remembered not only for their skill with a club but for a steady devotion to family, church and community life.
Two lives, one common thread: a love of the game
For golf fans, obituaries can feel like scorecards: club affiliations, leadership roles, years of steady play. Ellen’s name appears on many local rosters — a longtime member of Golden Horseshoe Golf Course and the Williamsburg Country Club where she led as president of the Women’s Golf Association for two seasons. She also played with the Kingsmill Women’s Golf Association and stayed active socially with the Kingsmill Women’s Social Club. Her golf life was built on community: Sunday rounds, bridge nights and photography at the 19th hole.
Doris brought that same steady competitive grace to tennis, sailing and golf. Her love of hosting at the waterfront home on Heron Point and her years of involvement in community organizations made her a familiar presence at club events and social drives alike. Both women showed how sport and social life go hand in hand — the courses were where friendships deepened and family stories were exchanged.
Ellen Lorensen — career, community and a second act
Born May 21, 1940 in Bronxville, New York, Ellen trained as a physical therapist — a Bouve’ Boston School graduate from Tufts University with a BS in physical therapy. She worked a decade at Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville, then moved to Williamsburg in 1972 after marrying Norman O. Lorensen. After Norman’s passing in 1992, Ellen returned to work in home care physical therapy for Williamsburg Community Hospital and Sentara, dedicating another 13 years to helping others regain strength.
Beyond therapy and tee times, she was active at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church on Richmond Road and treasured summers at the family cottage on Pleasure Beach, Waterford, Connecticut. Ellen is survived by a sister, nephews, great-nieces and -nephews, and cousins. Visitation and services are planned at Nelsen Funeral Home on August 23, 2025, with a graveside service at Cedar Grove Cemetery on August 25, 2025. Donations are suggested to Williamsburgh Presbyterian Church Building Fund or a charity of choice.
Doris Sjostrom Gilfillan — community builder and hostess
Doris passed July 26, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of warm hospitality and community involvement. She grew up in Upper Darby, Pennsylvania, and met her husband while attending Muhlenberg College. The couple settled in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania for more than 30 years, where Doris balanced family life with service in the Junior League of Reading and hospital auxiliaries. She later served as Marketing Director for The Highlands retirement community.
Retirement brought Doris to Williamsburg, where she continued to make family time the priority. An avid sailor, tennis player and golfer, she and her husband celebrated a recent 63rd wedding anniversary. Survivors include her husband, two children and five grandchildren. A memorial service will be held August 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church. Donations may be directed to Child Development Resources of Williamsburg or Williamsburg Presbyterian Church.
What the local courses and clubs lose
For anyone who tracks local golf, these are more than names on a roster; they’re part of the fabric that keeps amateur golf vibrant. Ellen’s leadership at the Women’s Golf Association reflected a hands-on approach to promoting women’s play and club camaraderie. Doris’s love of hosting translated into countless social events that bridged sailing, tennis and golf communities. The shared picture is of two women who treated golf as part sport, part social glue.
How the community can pay respects
- Ellen Lorensen: Visitation August 23, 2025, 11:00 AM–1:00 PM at Nelsen Funeral Home, Williamsburg; celebration of life to follow at 1:00 PM; graveside service August 25, 2025, at Cedar Grove Cemetery.
- Doris Gilfillan: Memorial service August 23, 2025, 11:00 AM at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church.
- Donations: Ellen — Williamsburg Presbyterian Church Building Fund or charity of choice. Doris — Child Development Resources of Williamsburg or Williamsburg Presbyterian Church.
Final putt
The scorecard reads differently for everyone: some remember the tournament wins, others the quiet volunteer hours. For golf enthusiasts here, Ellen and Doris will be remembered for keeping women’s golf lively, for leading by example both on and off the course, and for the generous hospitality they brought to club life. The fairways they loved will keep their stories alive every season that the tee markers are set and the clubhouse doors open.
FAQ
When and where are the services for Ellen Lorensen?
Visitation will be August 23, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Nelsen Funeral Home in Williamsburg, with a celebration of life following at 1:00 PM. Graveside service is August 25, 2025, at Cedar Grove Cemetery.
When and where is the memorial for Doris Gilfillan?
The memorial service is scheduled for August 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church.
Are donations suggested in their memory?
Yes. For Ellen, donations may be made to Williamsburg Presbyterian Church Building Fund or a charity of choice. For Doris, donations may be made to Child Development Resources of Williamsburg or Williamsburg Presbyterian Church.
How were these women involved in golf locally?
Ellen was a member of Golden Horseshoe Golf Course and Williamsburg Country Club, where she served as president of the Women’s Golf Association for two years, and played with Kingsmill Women’s associations. Doris enjoyed golf among other sports and was a known hostess at Heron Point, bringing together sailing and club communities.
Can golfers and club members pay respects together?
Yes. Club members, golf partners and friends are encouraged to attend services or make donations in memory of Ellen and Doris. Shared memories on the course and at club gatherings are a meaningful way to honor their legacies.
Quick Reference Table
| Person | Event | Date | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ellen Lorensen | Visitation & Celebration of Life | August 23, 2025 | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM (visitation); 1:00 PM (celebration) | Nelsen Funeral Home, Williamsburg | Graveside service Aug 25 at Cedar Grove Cemetery |
| Ellen Lorensen | Graveside Service | August 25, 2025 | Time as scheduled | Cedar Grove Cemetery, Williamsburg | Donations: Williamsburg Presbyterian Church Building Fund or charity of choice |
| Doris Gilfillan | Memorial Service | August 23, 2025 | 11:00 AM | Williamsburg Presbyterian Church | Donations: Child Development Resources of Williamsburg or Williamsburg Presbyterian Church |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Doris Sjostrom Gilfillan Obituary
- Ellen Lorensen Obituary
- Harold Wallace Obituary
- Carl Geiling Obituary
- Sammie Jones Obituary
- Wikipedia: Golf
- Google Search: Williamsburg community obituaries
- Google Scholar: Golf Community
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Golf
- Google News: Williamsburg golf community
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