Obituary of Doris Mae Stephenson

Doris Mae StephensonBorn in East Green Harbour, Nova Scotia, on October 30th, 1932, Doris Mae (née Williams) passed away peacefully in Ottawa on Wednesday, September 16th in her 88th year. Happily married for 64 years, she was predeceased by Jim last October. Doris was the proud mother of Alan (Katarina) and David (Laura) of Ottawa, ON, Shirley Torok (Mike Simpson) of Kapuskasing, ON and Judy Taylor (Fred) of Ottawa.Devoted and cherished grandmother of Joshua (Stephanie), David (Amanda), Mark (Carmelita), Brian, Chris, Sasha, Ben, Taylor, Jennifer (Dana), Brian (Sylvaine), Lawrence (Juwon), Katherine (Alex) and Allison; great-grandmother of Meghan, Tyler, Hailey, Jade, Lindsay, Odin, Kyre, Andrew, Nicolas, Matthew, Lucy, Freddie, and Eloïse. Predeceased by her parents, Frank and Amy Williams, brothers Harvey Williams, Lindsay (Clara now 92) Williams, sisters Shirley Williams, Elva Williams, Mabel (Earl) Whiteway, and son-in-law Larry Torok. Doris was a kind and generous woman. She often remarked that, coming from a small rural fishing village, she never believed she would have had such a rewarding life. Beginning her teaching career in a one-room schoolhouse at the age of 16, she nurtured and shaped young minds in Greenwood, Galt, and Kapuskasing while proudly receiving her baccalaureate as valedictorian along the way. Serving others was ingrained in her character and she spent many hours volunteering with the Cancer Society, and in many roles in the United Church, such as superintendent of Sunday School, leading the junior choir, and UCW. She enjoyed quilting, travelling, time at the cottage, golfing, curling, and cards with her friends. Her appreciation and love of music saw her singing in many choirs including Lincoln Avenue United Church in Galt, Kapuskasing United Church, Jubilee Singers, Bells Corners United Church, and was an ardent supporter of the Valley Men’s Choir. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. The family wishes to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff and caregivers at Stillwater Creek Retirement Residence, for their kindness and support shown to Doris and her family. A funeral service will be held at Bells Corners United Church, 3955 Old Richmond Road, Ottawa on Thursday, September 24, 2020, at 10:30 am, followed by interment at Capital Funeral Home and Cemetery. As COVID protocols will be observed, space is limited to invitations only, however, live streaming of the service will be available at https://youtu.be/M2BlS_8FJMM for those unable to attend.Donations to the Bells Corners United Church, the Cancer Society or a charity of your choice would be appreciated.