DORIS JANET SMITH

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DORIS JANET SMITH Peacefully, on July 31, 2016, Doris Janet Smith (nee Findon) passed away at Concordia Hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba, just short of her 84th birthday. Doris was born to George and Mabel Findon on August 12, 1932 into a large family, eventually totalling 12 children in Birmingham, England. She later worked in the Forum Cinema where she met her future husband Colin. They were married on August 18, 1952, and moved to Canada shortly after to start a new life and a family of their own. Doris is survived by her beloved husband Colin Michael Smith of 64 years, four sons, Danny (Kym) of Victoria, BC, Eugene (Darla) of Ballymena, Northern Ireland, Dean (Jacquelyn) of Toronto, ON, and Kirk (Shannon) of Winnipeg, MB, and sister-in-law Olwen Mills of Duncan, BC. She had eleven grandchildren, Jamie, Kristal, Daniel (their mother Judy); Jeremy, Jesse; Joanne, Robert; Chelsea, Spencer, Jordanna, and Alistair. She also had several great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and dozens of nieces and nephews around the world. She was the last of her siblings. Doris had many hobbies and interests. She always maintained a large vegetable garden and perfectly manicured flower beds around the yard. She loved to cook, bake, knit, and crochet. She loved movies, mystery shows, and extensive traveling across the continent with her family. Doris also spent some years working as a florist. But what she will be remembered for the most was her passion for family, friends, and her role as wife, mom and grandparent. All of her actions revolved around others, whether it was making clothes for premature babies, or taking homemade jams and pickles to the neighbours. She would never forget anyone's favourite meal, and have it prepared for them whenever they would visit. We all know where our love of chips and dip came from, and in fact, the last thing she ate while still with us was a potato chip! Homemade chocolate chip cookies were always in the jar for her sons' friends, pre-made meals in the freezer for when she was away, and her backyard was the most fun place to play in the neighbourhood. She never forgot a special occasion and all her gifts were created with the utmost love and attention to tailor-made details for the one to whom she was giving it. There will be no memorial service, as a private family gathering has already taken place. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Children's Wish Foundation, 350 St. Mary Ave., Winnipeg, MB R3C 3J2, 204-945-9474, MB@childrenswish.ca. The family also wishes to thank the doctors and staff on N3E and N3W of Concordia Hospital for their excellent care and compassion during this difficult time. Doris, Mom, Auntie, Grandma, and Nannan - you are loved by many and will dearly be missed!

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 06, 2016