DORIS OLIVE SMITH (GAMBLE)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DORIS OLIVE SMITH (nee GAMBLE) Doris passed away peacefully in her room at the Palliative Care Wing of the Victoria Hospital in the evening of Tuesday, April 17, 2007. She was predeceased by her beloved husband Ainsworth in 1992, just before their 50th wedding anniversary; parents, Alex and Eva Gamble; brother John Gamble; sister Frances Rosser and brother-in-law Gord Rosser; niece Linda Aichelle. Blessed and survived by her four children, seven grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, daughter Gaye (Lindsay Matthews), granddaughter Caroline (Paul Taylor), grandson Richard (Katrina), Lewis and Charolette, grandson Jeff (Amy), Kyle, Kolby and Emily, granddaughter Tricia (Bryan Grant), son Gordon, son John (Sharron), grandson Dean and Dean's mom Pat, daughter Dianne (Gary Borger), grandchildren, Alex and Solene. Also survived by her sister-in-law Evelyn Gamble, several nieces and nephews. Brother John's children, Joanne, Patti, Bob and Tom and sister Frances' children Karen and Bruce. Also many very close cousins. Our mom was born in Winnipeg, November 4, 1922 and attended school at Grosvenor, Robert H. Smith, Kelvin and was a graduate of Success Business College. She was employed as a secretary by J.H. Ashdown Hardware Company until her marriage to Ainsworth in 1942. At the end of the Second World War, they purchased a home in Crescentwood; Doris by choice was a stay-at-home mom to their four children. She was active in the Crescentwood Community Centre and a President of the Ladies' Auxiliary. Her Crescent Fort Rouge Church activities formed a large part of her life, teaching Sunday school, committee work, President and Life Member of the U.C.W. She worked on an ecumenical committee which advocated and saw results by establishing a Child Care Centre, a Community Centre, and a Seniors' apartment complex in the River-Osborne area. She served as President and board member of Fort Rouge Ecumenical Apartments for over 30 years. She gave her time being a community volunteer, canvassing, delivering Meals-on-Wheels. An activity that gave her special joy was being a member of the weekly singsong group at West Park Manor. She was an active member of the PC Party and honoured by receiving a Life membership. With her children becoming independent, Doris took a part-time job with the Timothy Eaton Company, enjoying interaction with customers and fellow employees for two years. She was then invited to be Administrative Secretary for the Manitoba PC Caucus. She felt very privileged to serve for nine years until her retirement. She enjoyed an active life with square dancing, line dancing, attending Bomber games, bridge club, paper tole craft, knitting, sewing and baking. A highlight was to attend theatre with grandson Dean. She delighted to be included in grandchildren's and great grandchildren's school and sports events. Doris was also proud of Gordon's stepson Trevor's volunteering to serve with our Canadian Armed Forces in Afghanistan. The Family admires her for her lifelong commitment and love to family, church and the community. She'll be dearly missed by all who knew her. If desired, memorial contributions may be sent to Crescent Fort Rouge United Church, Accessibility Fund, 525 Wardlaw Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3L 0L9. A Memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 28, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Crescent Fort Rouge United Church, 525 Wardlaw Avenue, Reverend barb janes officiating. neil bardal inc. 949-2200 www.nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 21, 2007