Doris “Dutchie” Helen Land Malaguerra, 89, passed away peacefully in her home in Huntersville, NC surrounded by family on May 15, 2021. She had been under the care of Hospice & Palliative Care Lake Norman.

She was born in Anderson, IN to the late Audie Owen Land and Mabel Horn Land. She was also preceded in death by her older brother, Robert (Bob) Hugh Land. She graduated from Anderson High School in June 1949 and married Elmer Malaguerra later that month. They were introduced by her brother, Bob and were still deeply in love after 72 years of marriage. They lived in Anderson where they raised their three children. After Elmer’s retirement they moved to Asheville, NC where they spent many happy years exploring the NC mountains, volunteering, and enjoying the local art culture. They later moved to Huntersville, NC and lived in an active adult community where Doris and Elmer had many wonderful friends.

Doris was a classically trained pianist and loved listening to music of all kinds her entire life. She was beautiful both inside and out and had a great sense of fashion. She loved to dress in pretty clothes and jewelry, even for casual family get-togethers. She loved all the dogs that were part of the family over the years but especially her dachshunds, Rudy and Lily, who died a couple of years ago. And she enjoyed her yard with all the lovely flowers she and Elmer planted over the years. She also loved watching the dozens of birds that flocked to her bird feeders and the inventive squirrels who tried to steal the bird seed.

But most of all, she loved her family. Nothing gave her more joy than being a wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and spending time with family. Her family has special memories of camping trips, vacations, holidays, and other celebrations together. She will be remembered for her sweetness, smiles, laughter, and kindness.

She is survived by her husband, Elmer Malaguerra of Huntersville, NC; her children, Ann (Chris) Young of Denver, NC, Mark (Scott) Malaguerra of Atlanta, GA and Jeff (Debbie) Malaguerra of Bloomington, IN; her grandchildren, Leah Wilson, Erin (Jeff) Parilla, Seth (Laura) Malaguerra and Colin (Summer) Malaguerra; and her great-grandchildren, Tyler, Jacob, Olivia, Asher, and Silas with two other Malaguerra babies due later this year.

The family will have a private celebration of life in the NC mountains at a spot along the Blue Ridge Parkway where Doris and Elmer loved to go for walks during their years in Asheville. In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to the Humane Society.

Carolina Cremations is assisting the Malaguerra family. Online condolences may be made at www.carolinacremations.com.