Obituary of Doris Isabella Bourque

BOURQUE, Doris Isabella (n�©e McHardy) This is a story about a remarkable woman who lived her life according to her own advice to others: Look forward with great anticipation and enjoy life to the fullest. Doris was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, on August 29, 1917, and died peacefully at Hotel Dieu Shaver in St. Catharines, on September 21, at the age of 93. She was seven when she arrived in Montreal with her mother Isabella and father James. One of Doris`s favourite childhood memories was of buying three Laura Secord chocolates on Friday nights. Unable to afford to buy more, her parents would cut each chocolate into three pieces so they could each have a taste. Doris cherished her independence, and despite having macular degeneration, worked at the Lakeshore School Board in Montreal until she was 76 years old. She was grateful to the Montreal Association for the Blind for helping her to live in her own home until she was 91. Doris moved to St. Catharines last year to begin a new chapter in her life as a resident of Tufford Manor Retirement Home. Doris enjoyed life to the fullest, whether it was touring Quebec and Ontario during the Second World War as a troop show dancer with the Hilda Galt Review, becoming a mother for the first time at the age of 42, enjoying time with her grandchildren, or sewing clothes and linens for loved ones. She had fond memories of boating with family on Lac St. Louis and taking trips to New York City, the Laurentians, Maine and Florida. She was blessed with a quick wit and an ability to get along with everyone. Doris was one of the Montreal Canadiens' and Montreal Expos' most loyal fans. Heartbroken by her passing (in St. Catharines) are daughter Caroline (Wiley), son-in-law and friend Bill, grandchildren Elise and Reid; and (in Montreal) son Robert, his partner Gail, and grandchildren Robert and Anthony. Doris held a special place in her heart for the Wileys who she loved as family and who loved her back the same way. She enjoyed lifelong friendships with Leba, Ethel and Jean, and made many special friends with the gang at the school board and at Tufford. Doris will rest next to her beloved husband Howard, who passed away in 1986, at the National Field of Honour in Pointe Claire, Quebec. A memorial service will be held in October in Montreal. Her family extends their deepest gratitude to all the caregivers at Tufford, CCAC, St. Catharines General and Hotel Dieu Shaver who helped her during her illness with cancer. Your care and compassion in the final months of Doris's life journey will always be remembered. In accordance with her wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, September 25th at the GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL CHAPEL, 585 Carlton Street, St. Catharines at 12:30pm. If desired, memorial donations to the palliative care services at St. Catharines General or the Hotel Dieu Shaver would be appreciated by the family.