Doris Allegra Good Bomberger ‘54, former home economics professor at Eastern Mennonite University, died at Sentara-RMH on May 14, 2022. She was 90 years old. Bomberger, among the first female faculty members to earn a doctoral degree, taught from 1966-87, when the major was no longer offered.
After retirement, she became a CNA at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. She then lived there with husband Professor Emeritus James Bomberger, who survives with two children and their families including three grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at Park View Mennonite Church, where she was a longtime member, at 4 p.m. on Saturday, June 11, 2022. Inurnment will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the VMRC Good Samaritan Fund, 1491 Virginia Avenue, Harrisonburg, VA 22802. Online condolences may be below in the comment box or by visiting www.mcmullenfh.com.
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Doris Bomberger was the daughter of Ella K. Shenk and Noah G. Good. She was born on September 13, 1931, in Caernarvon Township, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Lancaster Mennonite High School and then Eastern Mennonite College in 1954.
She graduated in 1954 with a bachelor of science degree in home economics. Her quote in the ‘54 Shen yearbook showed a certain tenacity and focus: “I’m afraid it won’t suit; tonight’s the taffy pull and I’m to make the taffy. Sorry.”
During her senior year, she was vice president of the Home Economics Club, a leadership position of some distinction considering this was one of the more popular (and only available) majors for women. EMC Professor Mary Emma Showalter, who led the home ec department, was just one of three female faculty with a graduate degree (just three years later she became the first faculty member with a doctorate when she earned an EdD in home economics education from Penn State University in 1957).
Bomberger taught at EMC in the ‘55-56 academic year, then married James R. Bomberger on August 25, 1956. She earned an MS in clothing and textiles at Penn State in 1958 and taught at Lancaster Mennonite School.
She joined the EMC faculty from 1966-69 and again in 1974. Interspersed throughout her career were overseas experiences: She and her husband taught at Cuttington College in Liberia, West Africa (1971–73); as ESL teachers at Sichuan Normal School in Chengdu, China (1981–83); and at Hokusei Wakkanai Junior College in Wakkanai, Japan (1987–88). They also led EMC cross-culturals to China in 1986 and 1989.
She completed her studies at Virginia Tech with an Ed. D. in home economics education in 1979 with a dissertation that explored perceptions among students, faculty and administrators about the university’s home economics program.
After retiring from EMU, she became a Certified Nurse Assistant, serving at Virginia Mennonite Retirement Community. In retirement, she became an artist and exhibited in various media, including bargello, beadwork mosaics, alcohol ink, leather embossing, needlework, and others.
The quotation from the ’54 Shen had a context. Doris spoke those words the first time she was asked out on a date by my father, Jim Bomberger. Ever resourceful, he replied, “No problem . . . I’ll help you make the taffy!” Apparently they had a good time at the taffy pull, because they were married in the summer of 1956 and celebrated their 65th anniversary in August 2021.
Doug, So sorry for your loss! Your parents ably led my Cross cultural group to China, Japan and Hong Kong in the Summer of 1989. It was a very memorable trip!