Doris Mable Gardner

Passed Away at Peterborough Hospice on August 18th shortly before her 98th birthday. Doris was born in Belmont Township, daughter of Melville and Ercell Dafoe. She is survived by sisters, Eva Dafoe and Jeannette Clark and brother-in-law Alfred Cooper. She is predeceased by her sisters Ferna Stockdale, Joan Cooper, and brother Glenn Dafoe.

Doris and her late husband, Allan Gardner lived in the Asphodel/Norwood area where they raised their four daughters: Patricia Ann, Ruth Schumaker, Jean McManus (Tighe), Lois Gardner-Earl (Lawrence). She loved her three grandsons: Michael Schumaker (Tania), Brendan McManus (Marcela) and Devin McManus (Jaime) and her great-grandsons, Nathan and Kellen McManus.

Doris went to Peterborough Normal School for teaching credentials and taught in one-room schools, before teaching Grade 2 at Norwood Elementary School until retirement in 1980. After retiring, she began painting in oils. She belonged to the Kawartha Artists Guild and to the Eastern Ontario Artists Association with over 500 paintings sold or given away to people in the community and beyond. She was an active member of TOPS Norwood and Peterborough for many years.

Great appreciation is expressed to VON Assisted Living especially PSWs, Danielle and Sara. Profound gratitude is expressed to the nurses and staff of Hospice Peterborough for their care and compassion. Doris believed that life does not have to be perfect to be precious and that she was put on this earth to be a champion for those who need help.

A memorial gathering will be held on August 29th (her 98th birthday) from 2 to 4 pm, with tributes at 3 pm. The location is Comstock-Kaye Life Celebration Centre, 356 Rubidge Street, Peterborough. Donations to Hospice Peterborough or to The PRHC Foundation would be appreciated in lieu of flowers. Online condolences may be made at www.comstockkaye.com