It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Doris Anderson, with her family at her side, on Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2016 at her home in Hillsdale Estates Long-Term Care Facility in Oshawa, Ont.
Doris, along with her twin brother, Donald, was born June 30, 1931 in Barwick, Ont. to the late Herbert and Winnifred Cross.
As a member of a large family, and being the eldest daughter, Doris learned early to be a caring nurturer to her siblings, and was taught many home-making skills she would use throughout her life.
She held fond memories of her first job with the Fort Frances Times prior to her marriage.
She was united in marriage to Carl “Gus” Anderson on Sept. 10, 1949 and the couple made their home in west Fort Frances (fondly known as McIrvine), where together they raised four children, Barry, Brian, Maureen, and Carla.
Doris was blessed with many talents, including her gifts of music and organizational skills, and her ability to communicate, comfort, and support all those around her.
Other amazing skills included her seamstress abilities, quilting, knitting, baking, and gardening. These traits served her well as she raised her family, and as she reached out to others sharing her gifts with extended family, friends, and anyone in need or for those she wished to brighten their day.
Many will have memories over the years of receiving Doris’ gifts of clothes, doll clothes, Christmas pajamas, sweaters, and quilts (to name a few), a bouquet of flowers from her garden, or gifts of food or baked goods—all gifts created and given with love.
With her family grown, Doris used her talents in her employment with the Met store and then, until her retirement, working in the sewing and craft department and later leading craft classes at Betty’s.
Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were recipients of her unfailing love. She celebrated and took pride in their accomplishments and individualisms, and they often were recipients of Grandma’s many gifts.
Her greatest gift was her gift of time spent with them, passing on her talents to her grandchildren for the benefit of future generations.
Doris’ faith surrounded and supported her all her life.
She was a very active member of Knox United Church in Fort Frances. Using her given gifts, she often led worship and was the Sunday School superintendent in the West Knox United Church in the 1960s and later became the Sunday School superintendent for Knox.
She organized and led several Vacation Bible Schools at both church sites. She also was very active in the United Church Women (UCW), being a member and president of both Units 11 and 7, held office as president of the General UCW, and was honoured as a Life Member.
She enjoyed working with the members planning and participating in spiritual retreats, tea and bazaars, special dinners celebrating the work of the church, or perhaps honouring events in individual members’ lives.
Doris also participated on many other committees within the church.
Due to her health, Doris moved to Whitby, Ont. in 2010 to live with Maureen and Jim.
In 2014, she moved to her last home, Hillsdale Estates, where she continued to share her gifts with her new friends by giving a gentle touch, singing or dancing, and most importantly, where she received loving care herself.
Doris is survived by her children, Barry Anderson and wife, Pat, of Fort Frances, Ont., Brian Anderson and Nancy Stinka of Bear Passage, Ont., Maureen and husband, Jim Gartshore, of Whitby, Ont., and Carla and husband, Dale Hallquist, of Bridgeton, N.J.; and nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, Kirsten and husband, Darryl Falzarano, of Martensville, Sask. and their children, Noah and Madeline, Erica and husband, Mitch Chaboyer, of Winnipeg, Man. and their children, Winona and Lucas, Tatum Anderson and Kyle Sandness of Vancouver, B.C., Rachel and husband, Ryan Gustafson, of Toronto, Ont.; Jennifer and husband, Robert Webster, of Belleville, Ont. and their children, Julia and Hayley, Stephanie and husband, David Sionit, of Thornhill, Ont. and their children, Olivia and Ethan, Amy and wife, Amanda Gartshore, of Bowmanville, Ont. and their son, Edison, and Megan Hallquist and Mathew Hallquist, both of Bridgeton, N.J.
She also is survived by one sister, Florence and husband, Edward Lampi, of Devlin, Ont.; sisters-in-law, Lorena Jaman of Atikokan, Ont., Viola Domanski of Fort Frances, Ont., and Joyce Sobeleski of Thunder Bay, Ont.; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Doris was predeceased by her parents; husband, Gus Anderson; seven brothers, Victor Cross, Herbert Cross, Edward Cross, William Cross, Arthur Cross, Donald Cross, and John Cross; brothers-in-law, Ray Mercier and Carl Domanski; and sisters-in-law, May Cross, Delores Cross, Ila Cross, Jennette Cross, Joan Cross, Corinne Cross, and Bergit Mercier.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Knox United Church in Fort Frances, with Rev. Ralph Fluit officiating.
A private family interment will take place in the La Verendrye Columbarium in Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances.
The honourary pallbearers will be the members of Unit 7 of the United Church Women and Doris’ grandchildren.
If friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to Knox United Church–Memorial Fund, 340 Church St., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 1E1.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
DORIS ANDERSON
