Adele Spina Doering

Adele Spina Doering, 79, of Franklin, North Carolina, passed away Sunday, July 20, 2025.

Adele was born August 2, 1945, in South Amboy, New Jersey, to the late Ignatias (Iggy) S. Spina and Mafalda Pirre Spina. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles (Charlie) W. Doering and a brother, John J. Spina.

After meeting and marrying the love of her life, Charlie, they moved to Otto, NC in 1979. Adele earned her master’s degree while also working and caring for her family. She was instrumental in securing the funding to open the first licensed group home in Macon County to serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Because of Adele’s advocacy and effort, Macon Citizens Habilities, Inc. (MCH), a private, nonprofit agency, was established and continues to support individuals with I/DD differences today. She continued helping and encouraging others through her work as a vocational counselor and supervisor with Southern Rehab, as well as a mediator for Mountain Mediation Services. Upon retirement, Adele chose to serve others by volunteering her time with Care Net, Four Seasons Hospice and the MCH Board of Directors. She enjoyed music, the arts, staying active, traveling and supporting the Marines, with whom Charlie had served. Adele was a loyal friend, generous, encouraging to everyone she met, honest to a fault and fiercely loved the people in her life. She could fill up a room with her personality but would always let others shine around her. Adele was loved by many and will be missed beyond words.

She is survived by her two sons, Tony Sedlak and John DeMeo; her beloved granddaughter, Gina DeMeo; her beloved nephew, Charles Dickens; Carol Dickens (sister in-law); Janet Spina (sister in-law) and John Spina (nephew). At her request, no services are planned at this time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to any of the following:

CareNet, 130 Bidwell Street, Franklin, NC 28734

Macon Citizens Habilities, 909 Lake Emory Road, Franklin, NC 28734

Wounded Warrior Project (https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org)

Online condolences may be made at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com.

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home and Crematory is honored to serve the Doering family.