Who passed away peacefully following a brief illness with family by her side on March 1, 2023. Born in Sheffield, England to Maria (Barber) and George Turner (both predeceased) on Easter Monday, 1925. Sister to George Turner (predeceased) of South Africa. Doris was a war bride and married Albert (predeceased 1994) in England on December 29, 1945. They moved to Coniston, Canada in 1946 (she became a citizen in 1970).
Loving mother to Paul (Linda) of Saskatoon, SK; Gary (Dale) of Kent, WA; June (Ivan) of Millarville, AB; and Roger (Wanda) of Brampton, ON. Cherished Nan to Dylan of Kimberly, BC; Jacob (Roberta) of Calgary, AB; Colin (Shilo) of Williams Lake, BC; Maria of Mount Elgin, ON; Trevor, Calgary, AB; and Christine (Christian) of Bradford, ON. Great-grandmother to Oliver, Henry, Dayne, Draya, Ava, Mia, Avery, Eloise, Cyrus, Corbin and Bryson.
After going back to school and receiving her teacher’s certificate in 1978, Doris taught at St Anne school for 18 years. She was a founding member of St. Kevin's parish in Valley East. A Life member of the Catholic Women's League, she held several executive positions. A passionate organizer for various parish fund raising events, she led and participated in Christmas Teas, Strawberry socials, weekly parish sewing activities and perogy making. Doris was a faithful Lector at Sunday liturgies in her parish. She was also an accomplished seamstress/tailor and knitted many blankets, baby sets and sweaters.
A WWII Veteran of the British Air Force (RAF), she was also a proud member of the Royal Canadian Legion. Doris received her RAF Service medal seventy years after she was released. Watching the news one evening she found out she was entitled to such recognition and advocated for it. The medal was presented to her by the Commanding Officer of Canadian Forces Base, North Bay, ON, who commented that he was proud to do so as he had never had the honour of presenting a service medal to a WWII Veteran. It even made the CTV news!
On March 23rd, 2015, Doris had a stroke and had to enter long-term care. She had an active mind, great memory and spoke well. Her interests included writing and setting up petitions and letter writing campaigns advocating for seniors living in long-term-care facilities, personal support workers wages, and the overall well-being of Veterans and seniors. She had a personal relationship with France Gelinas, her MPP, who read one of her letters in the Provincial Legislature.
Doris formed deep relationships with many of the staff at Elizabeth Centre, and her family want to thank the many PSW (personal support workers) that tended to Doris with love and compassion. To her many friends who visited and decorated her space, we thank you, particularly because we all live far away. To her two personal PSW who
did her laundry, purchased various supplies (including wine), who took her to her appointments, we thank you.
A special thank you to the Emergency Room staff of Health Sciences North for their tender care toward not only Doris, but family who sat with her in her final hours, most particularly to E.R. Nurse Jackie whose compassion and professionalism was stellar.
A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023 at 11am at St. Kevin's Catholic Church, 4610 St Therese Street, Val Therese with a reception to follow. At her request, there will be no visitation.
Her love and compassion for children is part of her legacy and was manifested in her teaching, parenting and grandparenting. Her favourite Scripture passage was Mark 10.13-16
“People were bringing little children to him in order that he might touch them; and the disciples spoke sternly to them. But when Jesus saw this, he was indignant and said to them, ‘Let the little children come to me; do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.’ And he took them up in his arms, laid his hands on them, and blessed them.”
For donations or messages of condolence, www.lougheedfuneralhomes.com
Arrangements entrusted to the Lougheed Funeral Home.