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
Ava Horváth
John Emms
Very sad day.
Joyce Lemke
Doris and I did Raku for many years. She was a dear friend.
Mary Anne King
My condolences on of your loss of Doris. I will miss her wonderful smile and remember the adventures we had with her over the years.
Cheryl Curran and Julio Carpinteiro
Forever remembered with love. Doris was a champion of the underdog, and a stong, independent force! I will always remember her coming home from walks with the dog...with no dog in tow. The dog would come home much later with tail between legs. :-)
Norbert and Nancy Tauchner
Our deepest sympathies. It sounds like she was a lovely lady and a great mother and grandmother. Nancy and Norbert
Céline Bédard and Leslie John Wilcox
Our sincere condolences dear Steve and Laurie Anne as well as your whole family. It is a sad time. Our thoughts are with you.
Sandie Kiley
Our condolences on your loss.
The Kiley's
Maggie and Rolf Mamen
So sorry to hear of your loss. She sounds like quite the woman - a great model for the family and the rest of us. I do hope you are all comforted by happy memories.
Debbie, Ken, Jack, Vincent
We are so saddened to hear of Doris’ passing. Steve LaurieAnne and Dex, all our love and sincere condolences to you❤️. Our Moms have such a special place in our hearts and their loss weighs heavy. To see you through, may you draw upon happier times & memories together. Our deepest condolences to Harry for his great loss.?
Anne, Andrew, Ella, Erin, and Pete sending love and prayers to you on your loss as well. ❤️Do take solace in the care and support you been able to offer; what a special and precious gift to your Mom that I’m sure gave her great comfort.
An incredible woman who I’ve heard so much about, and only wish I had the opportunity to meet. Thinking of everyone in the family right now ♥️