Obituary of DORIS ANN MARIE HOLMES

DORIS ANN MARIE HOLMES September 20, 1925 to October 10, 2014 Peacefully on Friday, October 10 at the St. Boniface Hospital Doris Holmes passed away. Doris is survived by her sons Del (Gail) and Russ (Ilene), her daughter Sue-Ann (Patrick) and sons-in-law, Richard and Garry. She is also survived by her grandchildren Michele, Jocelyn (Michael), Meggin (Bill), Russell (Meghan), Michael (Karin), Reagan (Nic), Garry (Misty), Thomas (Lisa), Matt (Danielle), Kathryn and Ryan as well as her nine great grandchildren Dominique, Olivia, Sophie, Mason, Violet, Billy, Evelyn, Elizabeth and Jack. Mom was predeceased by her husband, Delmar, her two daughters Cynthia and Janis, and her infant grandchild Krystin. Doris was born in Providence, Rhode Island where she spent her first five years before relocating to Hespeler, Ontario. It was in Hespeler where she and Delmar met, married and began their family. After a brief stay in Montreal, the family moved to Winnipeg, taking up residence in East Kildonan and later in Fort Garry. Mom always valued community and believed it was important to give back. When her family was younger, she was involved in a number of children’s activities through local clubs and churches. She always worked hard on behalf of a number of Winnipeg charities, involving herself regularly in campaigns for the Cancer Society, the Kidney Foundation and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, causes to which she felt extremely close. In recent years she had volunteered her time often with CancerCare, an experience which she found extremely difficult, but rewarding. Doris’s involvement within the community ultimately led to a number of friendships, friendships which she valued dearly. Mom was an avid bridge player, and enjoyed afternoons spent dealing the cards with friends. She took great delight in the company and conversation of others and developed countless friendships as a result. Mom’s friends were very important to her, and she to her friends. Mom believed that she lived a life filled with riches and rewards. She was devoted to her family, and her family was devoted to her. She loved gatherings shared with those closest to her and was constantly organizing family dinners for Christmases or Easters or Thanksgivings, as well as birthdays, anniversaries or any other occasion which she could use as an excuse to send out invitations to visit Thatcher Drive. Inevitably these visits ended with a container of cookies or scones fresh out of the oven, and made especially for one of her favourites. We all loved to visit, even if only to share a simple coffee and a conversation, and we will remember those moments fondly. Mom’s faith was always an extremely important part of who she was, and she lived her life as she believed Christians should. She was caring and gentle; she was thoughtful and considerate. Quite simply she treated others as she wanted to be treated, and we will all miss her touch immensely. We would like to thank the Emergency personnel at the St. Boniface Hospital, and Dr. Li and the staff of E6 for their kindness and compassion in dealing with Mom. A Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated at St. Ignatius Church, 255 Stafford Street, on Thursday, October 16, 2014 at 11:00 am. A brief reception will follow at St. John Brebeuf Church Hall, 1707 John Brebeuf Place. Private interment to follow. Flowers are gratefully declined. Donations in Doris’s name can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Kidney Foundation, the Canadian Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.