Doris D. Cutno

DORIS DAY CUTNO

`Ladies and gentlemen, family, friends, and loved ones,

Today, we are gathered here to celebrate the life and homegoing of Mrs. Doris Day Cutno, a remarkable soul who touched the hearts of everyone fortunate enough to know her. As we celebrate her life together, united in grief and love, to bid farewell to a cherished daughter, wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, friend, and more to those she encountered on her journey, we can all agree, Doris left an indelible mark on each of us in her unique way.

At such a difficult time, it’s important to remember the good memories we all have of Doris. By holding on to those memories, we can focus on our good times together and help each other find comfort in this difficult time. 

She was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on April 22, 1933. Doris was the second of eight children of  Mr. & Mrs. Francois and Eula Thomas Day: From a young age, Doris graced this world with her presence and strong personality.  She brought joy and happiness to those around her from the very beginning. She was raised in a loving family of 8 that shaped and cultivated her solid spiritual values and loving nurturing spirit to guide her throughout her life. Early in life, Doris accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and lived a life worthy of the calling that was placed upon her. Doris served in various capacities as a longtime member of St. John Divine Missionary Baptist Church. In her later years, she was also a member of the Law Street Baptist Church. 

As a young girl, Doris began to make a difference in people’s lives. She would often talk about the years and the impact of her family, and having grown up in uptown New Orleans influenced her to always shower others with kindness and affection. When asked about her prowess in the kitchen, Doris would always reflect on how she began to develop her culinary skills by taking on positions as a cook for various families at a very young age. If you knew Doris, you would know that cooking was one of her main passions. She would take a pot and cook a dish that would make you want to stand in line for hours just to get more. Doris also had recipes that were published by the Times-Picayune newspaper. Most notable were her pineapple pork chops.

Even more intriguing is the fact that Doris was multi-talented, Doris was an avid gardener, and had a very green thumb. Her flowers were her love. She was a budding photographer who captured the lives of her family on film, evidenced by the mountain of scrapbooks she compiled. Her creativity was limitless. She was a very proficient ceramic artist. Doris created works of art in her very own Kiln in the basement of her house. Doris was also very skilled with the canvas. Her exquisite paintings and drawings have been sold throughout the South; until this day, her art creations are unparalleled and timeless.

 Doris had a strong personality. Doris often mentioned how she would take up for friends and her family when it came down to defending them with a good set of hands. We think James Brown made a song about her, “Doris, Don’t Take no Mess.”  Despite that, she would also give you the clothes off her back, but just know along with those clothes would come grace, knowledge, and wisdom from a woman determined to uphold the values of God and family. 

In Doris' role as a wife to her beloved, Hudson Cutno, Sr., who preceded her in death (May 2000), he knew he had an exceptional partner and strong woman. Mr. Cutno suffered a debilitating injury that kept him in and out of the VA hospital for several years. During this trying time, Doris was by his side every step of the way. What a phenomenal commitment to the vows they took in June of 1967. 

Doris is preceded in death by her sisters Ruth Day, Betty Smith, and Carolyn Edwards, brothers Francois Day Jr., Louis Day, and Richard Day. She was also survived by her sister Helen Davis and a host of other relatives and friends.

It’s hard to say goodbye when it’s someone you love. Mrs. Doris Day Cutno, the mother of Samuel Bell Jr., Hudson Cutno Jr., and Ferneasa Cutno. Crockett and the grandchildren, Kayla Ashley Cutno, Lauren Rachel Cutno, Melany Chloe Cutno, and Naday Booker, will forever cherish the opportunity to have Doris as their mother and grandmother. The experiences they shared will always be unique and sacred in their hearts and minds. 

As we bid farewell to Doris Day Cutno, let us remember the valuable lessons in the friendship she imparted to us. “Give it to God, for he will make a way.” Her life journey is a testament for all of us to live with. God allowed us the blessing of Doris Day Cutno for 90 years. Her purpose was to spread love and compassion to everyone she encountered.

In closing, we honor our beloved Doris Day Cutno and her memory by cherishing the moments we shared, the laughter we all enjoyed, and the wisdom she imparted. As we mourn her physical departure, we find solace in knowing that her spirit will live forever in our hearts. Let us carry her legacy forward, honoring her memory through acts of love, kindness, and understanding.

May the soul of Mrs. Doris D. Cutno enjoy eternal peace, may we all celebrate the beautiful life that she lived, and may those fond memories of Doris overshadow the grief of our loss. Before we depart, let us all reflect upon the words of God, which say that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord! So let’s all find peace and comfort in knowing that Mrs. Doris D. Cutno fulfilled her life's purpose and is now looking down upon us, resting in the arms of the Lord at this moment, basking in the glow of his love.

Thank you.