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DORIS BIRT (nee BAILLIE)
Born: Jun 05, 1923
Date of Passing: Jan 29, 2021
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDORIS BIRT
It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Doris Caroline Birt (nee Baillie), who passed away peacefully on January 29, 2021. Along with the many video calls from family, her daughter Kathleen, and granddaughter Ashley were fortunate enough to be with her to provide comfort during her last days.
Doris' curious spirit and "up-for-anything" attitude shaped her incredible life, making her an inspiration to all who knew her.
Born in Vancouver June 5, 1923, Doris moved to Winnipeg in 1943 with her parents, John Austin and Caroline Fraser Baillie after the loss of her brother John Robert (Jack) in combat in 1942. She met her husband-to-be Murray Birt on a blind date on Canada Day that same year. They married February 14, 1944 and grew to a family of six, welcoming children: John Charles (Jack), Dianne Margaret, Derrick Murray, and Kathleen Anne. Sadly, Murray passed away unexpectedly in 1965. With support from her mother, Doris persevered to provide for her family, working with the Winnipeg School Division, retiring as Head Secretary at Elmwood High School in 1988.
Never one to be idle, Doris followed her interests and established herself in many communities; including as a member of the University Women's Club, supporter of the WSO, Manitoba Opera, and MTC (just to name a few!), and a dedicated volunteer at the Misericordia Hospital Women's Auxiliary Gift Shop. She kept her mind sharp taking extension courses at the University of Winnipeg well into her 80s, did the daily crossword religiously, and was never to be found without a book. Travel was another of Doris' passions taking her to memorable destinations around the world such as: New York, England, Germany, Paris, Hong Kong, and her all-time favourite: Hawaii (where she met the legendary Don Ho!).
In her spare time, Doris was always happy to have a chat with friends and family over coffee or wine. She was a formidable hostess, and delightful guest at parties. Her still-growing family will miss hearing the stories of her adventures and her infectious laugh at Sunday dinners. We will forever cherish the memories of moments we shared, wishing we'd been granted the time to make more.
You are in the hearts of your children, Jack (spouse Nancy) and Derrick (spouse Rosanne) Birt, and Kathleen Oreziak (spouse Kaz); grandchildren, Richard (spouse Lorna) and Steven Pierson (partner Neesh Pannu), Murray (spouse Sally), Graham (spouse Nicole), and Duncan (spouse Nicole Smith) Birt, Ashley DeVries (spouse Jason) and Madeleine Oreziak (fiancé Kyle Chatterson); and great-grandchildren, Jack, Kennedy and Taye Pierson, Isabel, Oliver, and Cali Birt, and Feliks DeVries. Doris was predeceased by her daughter Dianne Pierson and son-in-law Don Pierson.
The family thanks the staff at Seven Oaks Hospital and Get U There for the care and kindness they provided to Doris in her final days. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.
Condolences may be sent to
www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 06, 2021
Condolences & Memories (6 entries)
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I resided with your Grandma (22 Renfrew) in the early sixties. You may not remember. My sympathy to you all. - Posted by: Michael Ffrench (Resided with Mrs. Muriel Birt in the sixties.) on: Mar 05, 2021
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I remember Mrs. Birt as a kid playing with Jack during my years in Winnipeg from 1955 to 1960. She was a welcoming and generous parent. She will live on in the fond memories of her many descendants. - Posted by: John Ison (A childhood friend of Jack.) on: Feb 27, 2021
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Doris and my Mom Patricia were close neighbours ("two doors down") who grew into a friendship that lasted for life. They shared many a coffee and many a confidence as mothers of young children in the 50's. And also lots of laughter. I have many early memories of Mrs. Birt's kindness when I got to play at their house with Dianne. Our family moved to Ontario, but their friendship endured, and long into adulthood we regularly heard the news from Aunt Doris and the Birt family. She was indeed the sister my Mom had always wanted. Now they are both gone, but those memories are forever. - Posted by: Louise Barrington (Neighbour 65 years ago!) on: Feb 10, 2021
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Eleanor's words: I became Doris' neighbour when I moved to the Waverley over 4 years ago. We had many wonderful conversations over the years talking about past memories, present day activities and even anticipating the future. I'm sure Doris must have got tired of my saying when we age we have to adapt. She would sometimes laugh at my use of adapt! adapt! adapt! I never saw Doris as happy as when she was introducing members of her family and you were wonderful at being frequent visitors. This pandemic has been very hard on everyone, especially the frail elderly. I'm sorry I wasn't able to visit Doris in her last days. My prayers were with Doris as they are now with you. My deepest sympathy. Grace and Peace Eleanor Geib - #105 - Posted by: Rev. Janet Walker for Rev. Eleanor Geib (Friend) on: Feb 07, 2021
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I had the great fortune of meeting Doris almost 4 years ago, I visited her weekly, as her companion. We had a lot of great chats!! I loved her sense of humour and quick wit. She was always very friendly to myself and others. It was also wonderful to meet her son Jack and his wife Nancy, they were amazing with her! I will miss her terribly. Debby O ❤️ - Posted by: Debby Oldershaw (Companion, Get U There) on: Feb 07, 2021
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I have known Doris for many years. I was a secretary at River Heights Junior High. Our children went to the same school. Graham at RH and Susan at St. Marys Academy. She was a wonderful person. Have many good memories of her. I lived on Ash and Grosvenor. Sorry for your great loss. Betty Curnew, I now live at the Portsmouth senior apts. - Posted by: betty curnew (friend) on: Feb 06, 2021
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