DORRIS EMMA WHITING (RYAN)

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DORRIS EMMA WHITING (nee RYAN) Peacefully, and surrounded by family, Dorris Emma Whiting (nee Ryan) passed away on Tuesday, November 6, 2007. Born in Edmonton on August 7, 1937 to H. Frank and Muriel V. Ryan, the family lived in Halifax, Peterborough and Oakville, Ontario. Dorris always loved this time of year, with the leaves changing colour. She loved the outdoors; whether at her family cottage in Ontario, the cottage in the Whiteshell, the years at the log home in the woods in Kleefeld, or tent camping with three young children in tow. Mom enjoyed family vacations and traveling across the miles to Ontario, Halifax, the US, Jamaica and England. Dorris attended Victoria College at the University of Toronto, Ontario Teachers' College, and Banff School of Fine Arts. She taught in Toronto, where she met and married her love and best friend, John, on August 5, 1961. They moved to Winnipeg and Dorris took time from teaching to raise a family. She later returned to her love of piano and attained her ARCT (piano teaching certificate). Mom sang with church choirs for 40 years and with the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir for 20 years. During her time with the Phil , she served as President for two terms, and performed with the choir at Carnegie Hall. Dorris was involved with various musical organizations: Registered Music Teachers' Association, Royal Conservatory of Music Alumni, Womens' Music Club, Wednesday Morning Musicale and Manitoba Opera Chorus. We recall our family song nights, Friday night music lessons and the legacy of music played and sung by her grandchildren today. Her sense of humour was revealed when she smoothly snuck in a few bars of the Star Wars theme during Pachelbel's Canon at her son's wedding. She also took great delight in getting into character for Opera performances. We thank Mom for her keen interest in supporting all of our sports, activities and events. Dorris was a dedicated mother and grandmother, who took on the challenge of continually cooking Jamaican recipes, to John's delight. We enjoyed many years of lively family discussions at the dinner table. Dorris is loved and missed by her husband of 47 years, John; her children, Wanda (Alan), John (Deanna), James (Ilona); grandchildren, Celia, Annelies, Alexis, Tasha, Nicholas and Peter; her brother, Hollis (Paula); sister Marie; nieces, nephews, family and many friends. A service to celebrate Dorris' life will be held Saturday, November 10 at 2:00 p.m. at St. Paul's Anglican Church, 830 North Drive, Winnipeg, with reception following. The family would like to thank Concordia Oncology and the medical staff on the third floor for their care and compassion during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either Cancercare Manitoba, or to Scholarship Awards-Manitoba Registered Music Teachers Association Inc., in care of Cathy Dueck. Hon, you left us too soon. Your memory will sing in our hearts forever. Arrangements entrusted to: GLEN LAWN FUNERAL HOME 455 LAGIMODIERE BLVD. 982-7550

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 08, 2007