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Obituary
Doris Ellarhea (Kilpatrick) Howard
October 1925 – June 2023
With sadness, but appreciation for a life well-lived, we announce the passing of our mom, Dorie, peacefully on June 9th, surrounded by love and family.
Mother, grandma, great-grandma, sister, aunt, friend, and mentor. Dorie lived such a full life … 97 years of it, and as she said, “I don’t feel the need to aim for 100”!
Imagine the changes that Dorie witnessed over these 97 years. She remembers the great depression, the Second World War, and the coronations of King George VI (broadcast on the radio) and of Queen Elizabeth II (on black & white tv)!
Dorie grew up on a farm in a tight-knit community in north-western Ontario, attended college in Winnipeg, and moved to Toronto with her husband Roger (2006) where they lived for 30+ years, raising their family and keeping active and busy socially. Throughout her life, mom acted in a responsible, eco-friendly manner, long before it was widely discussed. She instilled in all her family a love of, and respect for, nature and the environment.
Until the end, Dorie thrived on humour and meaningful conversation. She knew of the top stories of the day and sought to discuss issues. She used email, google, zoom, and played cards online with her brother. And she cheered on “her” cherished Blue Jays until her final day.
In retirement, Dorie and Roger enjoyed golf, travel, grand-children, and a wide circle of golf, curling, and life-long friends. They lived for a short time in Florida and then moved to Alliston, where they were both active members of the community.
Dorie started the Women’s Probus Club of Alliston when she was 80! The club is still active, 17 years later, with some 200+ members. While still going strong at 90, mom wrote her memoir, entitled “My First 90 Years”! This is a wonderful read to help us understand where she came from and what she experienced during her life.
Mom has always said, “don’t shed tears for me. Be happy for the wonderful life I have led”.
Celebrating Dorie’s life are children Daphne (Harry), and Linda (Al), grand-children Danielle (Jeff), Derek (Jes), Alex (Vicki), Trevor (Cassie), and Juliana (Jeff), great-grandchildren Kinsley, Adelyn, Jack, and Lexi, and Dorie’s brother Doug, along with many very special nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her sisters Eileen (2017) and Velma (2022).
Many thanks to all the amazing medical practitioners who assisted in Dorie’s care during her final years … Family doctor, cancer care doctor, chiropodist, dentist, optometrist, the list goes on. As well, the amazing team of staff and volunteers at the Matthews House Hospice made for a beautiful, caring, professional, supportive experience that many can only hope for. Thank you to one and all!
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the beautiful Matthews House Hospice in Alliston, where Dorie was welcomed and spent her final weeks.
A celebration of Dorie’s life will be held on Saturday October 7th from 10am-12noon at the Toronto Cricket Curling & Skating Club.
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October 5 1925
June 9 2023
Death notice for the town of: Alliston, Province: Ontario
death notice Doris Ellarhea Howard October 5 1925
June 9 2023
obituaries notice Doris Ellarhea Howard October 5 1925
June 9 2023
We offer our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Doris Ellarhea Howard October 5 1925
June 9 2023 and hope that their memory may be a source of comfort during this difficult time. Your thoughts and kind words are greatly appreciated.
