It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of a wonderful lady just five weeks short of her 100th birthday. Doris was born in Roseridge, Alberta, on May 25, 1917 and passed away on April 15, 2017 following a brief stay at Columbia View Lodge.
She is survived by her son Neil (Barbara), grandchildren Rachelle (Fabian), Darryl (Anne) and Kelly (Greg), great grandchildren Rebecca, Juliana, Isabel, Bradley and Claire; son Bryan (Gerrie), granddaughter Brenda (Clemente), great grandchildren Chad and Alisa (Taylor), great-great grandchildren Teagan and Piper. Doris is also survived by her sister Hazel (Gunner) Jensen of Edmonton and many nephews and nieces with whom she shared a special bond.
Doris was predeceased by her parents Frank and Lavina McLay, husband Ross, grandson Cameron, brothers Melvin, Russel, Lewis, Roy, Earl and sister Bernice Harkness.
Doris graduated from Vermillion College in Lloydminster, Alberta in 1938. It was there she met Ross and they were married in Trail in 1940. Doris was an excellent student and athlete and was recognized as the outstanding female student athlete in 1937. She carried on her athletic abilities and was an avid curler in both Trail and Fruitvale.
Doris and Ross resided in Annable until 1970 when they relocated to Montrose. After Ross passed in 1976, she lived there independently until 2015. Cooking, baking, sewing and gardening were some of her passions and you could always count on having home baked treats and fruits and vegetables from her garden. Doris maintained a very active lifestyle well into her 90’s.
Volunteering was an important part of Doris’ life and by volunteering with many organizations and groups she spent countless hours giving back to her community. She was a 50 Year and Life Member of the Pythian Sister Lodge in Trail.
Doris will be remembered for her sharp memory, quick wit and keen interest in local, national and global events. When you talked to her you needed to be up on the latest news, sports and weather. It was truly remarkable how she maintained her interest, desire and ability to engage in these meaningful discussions and conversations.
Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart and she attended baseball games, hockey games, dance recitals, concerts and any activities in which they were involved. She looked forward to their visits, phone calls, letters and, in recent years, chats on FaceTime.
A heartfelt thank you to Gail and Mark Heslop, for all their love, support and kindness shown to Doris over so many years. A special thank you to Dr. McCoid and the staff of Rosewood Village and Columbia View Lodge for all the attention and care provided to Doris.
In respect of Doris’ wishes, there will be no service. Cremation has taken place and she will be interred with Ross at the KP Cemetery at a later date. Al Grywacheski of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.
If friends’ desire, Memorial Donations may be made in Doris’ name to the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Health Foundation (Endoscopy Campaign) 1200 Hospital Bench, Trail BC, V1R 4M1 or online at www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca or the Heart and Stroke Foundation at 4 - 1551 Sutherland Avenue, Kelowna, BC, V1Y 9M9.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s online register at www.myalternatives.ca
Sincere and true in heart and mind,
Beautiful memories she left behind.