Obituary for Doris Iolene Haughton (nee Cochran)
In her 100th year, at St. Joseph’s Villa, Doris Iolene Haughton (née Cochran) peacefully departed this wonderful world. Predeceased in 1997 by her dear husband Ernie (her special Boo) married 53 years, (R.C.A.F. 426th Thunderbird Squadron).
She will be sadly missed but ever so fondly remembered by her 3 children Jeff (Diane), Trevor (Bonnie) and Virginia. She was blessed with 4 amazing grandchildren Stacey (Tony), Erinn (Alex), Dave (Meghan), and Miranda. Doris was “over the moon” with the arrival of each of her 6 terrific great grandchildren Nicholas (Master Fisherman), Alaura (Queen of Crafts), Nathan (Future Famous Artist), Mason (the next Karate King), Wesley (Comic Genius) and Brynn (budding Olympic gymnast and movie star). If you knew our Mom, she was sometimes a lady of few words, but she was a keen listener and observer of people and there’s nothing she liked better than watching her grandchildren and great grandchildren grow and interact.
Our Mom was a quintessential Hamilton girl; only daughter of Margaret (née Will, a then 3rd generation Hamilton family) and James Cochran, (who emigrated from Glasgow, and then served overseas with the 173th Highlanders in WW1). She attended Central School (choir and solo singing, drama) in the 1920’s and early 30’s. Next, moving on to Westdale High (basketball, many other sports, choir, drama, portrait drawing and being a school cheerleader). Who would have thought that she would meet and marry a Delta High football player a few years later? Doris worked at Eatons in the 40’s, frequented The Beach Strip and The Brant Inn with her gal pals, met Dad, got married at Centenary Church and waited apprehensively while her new husband Ernie was shipped overseas for combat duty. When Dad returned in 1946, they bought a house on what is now Keswick Court (née part of Tuxedo South), became East Enders on this working class, cosmopolitan street full of her favourites, kids, cats and dogs! They started their family with Jeff arriving in 1949, Trevor in 1950 and Virginia in 1954. Dad had returned to Dofasco and Mom became a full time homemaker, with all attending Pioneer Memorial Church. She continued to attend her church long after they moved to Dundas (1982), right up until the time she was physically unable to attend. With Dad working rotating shifts and Mom not driving, she loved walking (even as far as The Centre Mall), down Ottawa Street or Kenilworth Avenue only taking the bus when absolutely necessary. She brought home most of the necessities herself, cooked, baked, preserved and generally was the commander in chief of our household. Her “me time” activities included bowling, card clubs, church volunteer activities, and pursuing her love of reading. Using our rotary dial, party line phone, Doris kept in touch with her aunts, her uncle and their growing families, Dad’s brother Les and wife Florence, her old friends and her new ones through Dad’s Dofasco mates. She planned dinners and parties and trips for all seasons. Our Grandma, Ivy Haughton, was an eager and loving babysitter whenever Mom and Dad needed her. Mom was in charge of our tinny sounding, transistor radios and our primitive record player. She loved so many styles of music from Bach to the Big Bands, Elvis, The Beatles, Johnny Cash, any one from Motown and so many, many more. We sat down, as a family, for her “must see” programs (Lassie, Ed Sullivan, I Love Lucy, Red Skelton, The Honeymooners to name a few) on our one black and white television without remote! Trevor, Virginia and I fondly remember our yearly vacations to Paquana Cottages on Lake Rousseau and later our cherished times at our wee cottage on the Muskoka River (which Mom inherited from her much loved Aunt Jean and Uncle Walter). As we grew, our parents embarked on many memorable and happy trips together, or with family or friends, to the Caribbean, Europe, and cross Canada and USA trips in their Volkswagen camper.
We would like to express our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all staff involved in her care at St. Joseph’s Villa (especially those on Valley Trail). We are extremely grateful that during her brief palliative period, our immediate family had the opportunity to see her, while abiding to strict Covid protocols. We also state our sincere gratitude to Dr. Jim Williams and staff for attending to Mom’s health needs over the many years.
Cremation has taken place. Due to Covid restrictions, a private interment will be held with immediate family.
Doris was a supporter of many charities throughout her lifetime and donations, in memory of her, can be made to the charity of your choice.
And in the end, only kindness matters.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Doris Iolene Haughton nee Cochran August 28 1921 December 28 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Dundas, Province: Ontario