Doris Jessie Stephens

January 3, 1930 - September 14, 2023

In Loving Memory ~

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Doris Jessie Stephens of Errington BC on 14 September 2023 at the age of 93 1/2, she said the 1/2 was very important at her age.

Doris was predeceased by husband Howard, son Richard, and grandson Anthony.

She is survived by son Hugh Stephens (Sylvia), daughter Patricia McDonald, daughter in law Diana Burrill, grandchildren Lynne, David, and Rebecca L'Heureux, and Gordon, Brandon, Brenna, and Curtis Stephens, and seven great grandchildren.

Doris was born 03 January 1930 to Jessie and John (Jack) Twidale at Meadow Lake Saskatchewan. Her early years were spent on the farm until her father reenlisted during WWII at which time she and her mother moved to Winnipeg.

After the war the family moved to Coombs B.C.

Doris completed Normal School obtaining her teaching certificate and taught for a time at Rivers Inlet. Next she opted for adventure and joined the Canadian forces. It was while stationed at Rivers Manitoba she met a handsome paratrooper and she and Howard were married in 1954. Son Richard was born the following year. The family moved to Parksville where son Hugh and daughter Patricia soon followed.

Doris was active in her community first with the Girl Guides and then with the Ladies Auxiliary Branch 49 Legion where she was awarded life membership.

As her family grew older Doris returned to the workforce first running Mother Goose Kindergarten and then spent years at The Island Hall Hotel and Malaspina College, from which she retired.

In the 1970's the Coombs Hobby Pensioners group was formed and it was there Doris found her true passion: Spinning! Deciding retirement wasn't for her Doris combined her love of fibre with a business and opened Webs and Threads in the old Coombs Emporium until fire razed the grounds.

Over time the spinning group evolved into The Thursday Spinners at Bradley Centre. Doris frequently called the members "my tribe", she loved each and every one of you. Never one to sit still Doris kept busy with spinning and knitting. Though the last year was not always easy she said she had 92 good years! Her kindness and generosity touched many peoples lives and she will be missed by all.

Everyone whose life Doris touched are invited to attend her celebration of life on 28th October 2023 at 1:00 at Yates Memorial services, 1000 Allsbrook Rd Parksville BC.