Doris McIlroy died at home in the care of her loved ones, due to complications from Parkinson’s Disease.
Cared for with great tenderness in her final months by Harry McIlroy, her devoted husband of 62 years. Dear mother to her three children and their partners, Peter-John and Susan, Anne and Andrew and Stephen and Laurie-Anne, and cherished Nanny to her grandchildren, Ella, Erin and Dexter.
Predeceased by her father and mother, John and Edna MacDonald, and her brother Lee, she is mourned by her brothers and sisters and their spouses in the Maritimes, Ivan and Marian, Audrey and Leland, Ken and Dolly, Georgina and Tommy, and Carol, as well her many nieces and nephews, friends and neighbours.
Doris was born in Rexton, N.B., and was brought home to Kouchibouguac, N.B., by horse and sleigh. She treasured her memories of growing up in a close-knit family and community, of crossing the river in a dory to attend school, and evenings doing homework around the kitchen table.
She was her high school valedictorian and left home to study to be a lab technician at Mount Allison University in Sackville N.B. She met Harry in St. John when she was a trainee and he was starting his career in the military. They lived in Montreal, Kingston and Germany before settling in Kanata, where Doris successfully campaigned for French immersion in public schools. She returned to university and earned a BA in anthropology and MA in Canadian Studies at Carleton University. She was a strong feminist who studied women in sport and a determined athlete who completed the Canadian Ski Marathon in her 50s. A meticulous researcher, she wrote a book about the history of those who lived and worked along the Kouchibouguac River before their homes were expropriated to make way for a national park. An accomplished potter who worked with earthenware and porcelain, she had a studio in the basement and was a long-time member of the Ottawa Guild of Potters. She was a talented gardener, baker and seamstress. She loved Irish setters, lobster feasts and getting a triple word score in Scrabble. Summer trips “down home” to New Brunswick were a highlight of every year and she also revelled in travels around the world with Harry after he retired. Doris was a remarkable woman, fiercely independent and strong-minded, intensely loyal and loving.
The family is grateful to Lise, Samira, Joycelyn, Léonie and the many dedicated caregivers who helped Doris over the past nine months as if she were family.
A private service will be held at Beechwood Cemetery.
Gifts in her memory can be made to the Presbyterian World Service and Development. https://presbyterian.ca/pwsd/donate/
Digital Guestbook
Ronda robichaud
Cyndi Corscadden
My condolences Uncle Harry. Thank you for the care and compassion you gave to Aunt Doris, especially in this past year when faced with so many challenges. To my cousins, no matter how much we prepare ourselves, our Mothers have a special place in our hearts, and it is never easy to say good-bye. I shared Auntie Doris's love for Irish Setters (Finnigan was my Irishman for 12 years), lobster feasts (I cannot wait to get back to the Maritimes to enjoy with family), and as for scrabble (that is how I figured out my grandson's name), and we will play a game in your Mom's honor. While life is not eternal, the memories we cherish live on.
Brian Archibald
My condolences to uncle Harry, Peter-John, Anne, Stephen and their families.
I have many fond memories of visiting the whole family when they made their annual summer pilgrimage to Kouchibouguac, and also when Doris and Harry hosted me when I made my first "big" trip to Ontario in the early 80's (and she tried to convince me not to go to Toronto because it was too dangerous). My overwhelming memory of Doris was of an independent, humorous, and strong willed person who valued family above all else.
Mike Archibald
Condolensces to the family. If I were in ontario I would join Brian in coming up (and if there were room). Its been a long time since I've seen Doris and I have a poor memory but she and Harry let me stay in their house when I was going to Carleton for a brief time. I remember her being very good to me and very interested and knowledgeable about all I was studying. And I'm almost positive that she used to put ice cream on my cereal, something I try to do as often as possible to this day. Very sorry for your loss.
Andrew Stirling and Eileen Howell
Hello Harry, We were saddened to learn of Doris' death and hope you are holding up well. Our paths have not crossed since the swimming and Friendship Force Days but we hop you have been in good health. It was nice th read the obituary and see howe much family support you had.
Gaetan
My sincerest condolences to family.
Linda Rummell
What a wonderful life and story. It sounds like she lived it to it's fullest possible extent. My deep condolences Peter, to you and your family. May she live on in those she loved and those she influenced.
Joyce Lam and family
Our deepest sympathies to the family. Although we our paths never crossed, for certain I’m sure she’s a loving, remarkable and accomplished woman. I was gifted with a lovely piece of her pottery, which I treasure. Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Jane Mangotich
A remarkable woman indeed.
My heartfelt sympathy to you all.
Wendy Peterson (Archibald)
My condolences to Harry, Peter-John, Anne, Stephen and their families. It was always nice to see your family every summer in Kouchibouquac. I went to Ottawa to visit for a week when I was about 21 and had such a great time. Doris and Harry welcomed me into their home, and made terrific meals. I remember Doris and I went to a movie one night and had a lot of fun. I am so very sorry for your loss.
So sorry for your loss Doris was a wonderful sole
From Vic’ s clan