Doris Louise Belanger

BELANGER, Doris Louise (nee Dolcetti)- It is with profound sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, nonna, aunt, cousin, sister-in-law, and friend at the F. J. Davey Home on Friday the 2nd of October, 2026.

Doris spent her final days surrounded by the loving presence of her devoted daughter, family, friends, and the dedicated caregivers who cared for her with compassion and kindness.

Doris was the beloved wife and best friend of the late David Belanger, with whom she shared 41 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they built a life centered around family, friendship, faith, and countless cherished memories.

She was the dearly loved mother of David Jr, Edward, and Lisa (Michael) Kenopic. She was a devoted nonna to Jessica Belanger, Kayla Belanger, Meadow Belanger, Eric Belanger, Johnathan Belanger (Nicole Lamoureux), the late Anthony Belanger, and Andrew Kenopic, and a proud great nonna to Maverick Draper and Bryson Belanger-Guy. Her family was the greatest source of joy in her life, and she took immense pride in each of them.

Doris was welcomed into heaven with open arms and reunited with her husband David, parents Sante and Ada Dolcetti, her beloved grandson Anthony Belanger, her adored sister Angela Tombari, and her brother Eddie Dolcetti.

She was the daughter-in-law of the late Caroline & Harold McGrayne and a cherished sister-in-law and friend to Ron Tombari, who supported her endlessly following the sudden passing of her beloved husband. She will also be lovingly remembered by her sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law: cherished and special friend Doris Belanger (late John), Louise McGuire (late Tom), Philip Belanger (late Maxine), Ernie Belanger, Vicky McGrayne (late Harold), Phillina McGrayne (late Herman), Les McGrayne (Joanne), Colleen Hocking (Toni), and Veronica Lukkarila (Simo).

Doris will be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews, who will forever cherish the memories they made with her. She shared a special bond with her cousin Marlene and Dick Wall, who were a constant source of love and support to Doris and her family. Her niece Paula Provenzano also held a particularly special place in her heart, with whom she shared an unwavering relationship and connection.

Doris’s warm and caring nature touched many lives beyond her immediate family. She will be deeply missed by her numerous friends, especially longtime friends Joanne Bernard and Barbara Rudnicki, as well as the many friends she made during her time at the F. J. Davey Home, particularly Carmel DiPietro.

Doris will also be deeply missed by the nurses she had formed a very strong bond and friendship with over many years at the General Hospital on 100B.

Above all, Doris devoted her life to raising her three children and providing them with unwavering love, encouragement, and support. She found great happiness in caring for others, and one of her most meaningful expressions of love was through cooking and baking. She loved preparing food for family and friends and took tremendous joy in watching others enjoy the meals she had lovingly made.

Her Catholic faith was an important part of Doris’s life. Her devotion provided her with strength through challenging times and brought her comfort, peace, and resolve. Her faith, compassion, and generous spirit were reflected in the way she lived and in the way she cared for those around her.

Doris and Dave shared many wonderful years raising their family and creating memories in their first home together on Prentice Avenue where they had enjoyed several years of cherished friendships with their neighbours. In their earlier years, they enjoyed camping with family and friends, travelling with their trailer to many destinations, with Brimley State Park being one of their favourites. In time, their adventures led them to a beautiful cottage on Haviland Bay, which eventually became their retirement home. Haviland Bay provided many treasured years filled with family gatherings, countless meals together, bonfires, laughter, friendship, and sitting on their deck having a cold beer or glass of wine watching the sunset over the bay. These were among the special moments Doris cherished most.

Doris also dedicated much of her life to caring for others through her 35 year nursing career at the General Hospital. She was a passionate and devoted nurse who provided compassionate and unwavering care to many patients throughout her years of service. Retirement did not diminish her desire to help others. She continued to give her time and energy to her community, volunteering with numerous organizations throughout the City, including the YMCA, Sault Area Hospital, Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, many Long Term Care Homes, and many roles as supportive mom to Lisa and the all the girls in the Bandette’s All Girl Drum and Bugle Corps.

Doris also enjoyed being an active member of several clubs and organizations, including the Marconi Ladies Auxiliary, the G. Verdi, Red Hat’s Society, and the Sunshine Club. Through these activities, she formed many lasting friendships and connections.

She embraced life with enthusiasm and enjoyed a wide variety of hobbies, including bowling, playing cards, bocci, knitting, reading (her favourite, Danielle Steel), and cross country skiing. These activities brought her not only enjoyment but also many wonderful friendships and memories.

Travel was another great joy for Doris. She loved exploring new places with family and friends, with some of her favourite adventures being traveling to Italy to visit family, especially the ones taken with her mother, daughter, sister, and niece Paula, as well as cruises through the Mediterranean and Caribbean. She also enjoyed memorable trips to California, Nashville, Las Vegas, Mexico, New York, Bahamas and Florida. Wherever she travelled, it was the people she shared those experiences with who made them truly special.

Doris leaves behind a lifetime of love, friendship, compassion, faith, and treasured memories. Her greatest legacy will be found in the family she loved so deeply, the many people she cared for throughout her life, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness and generosity. She will be remembered not only for all that she did for others, but for the warmth and love she brought into their lives.

Our heartfelt thanks go to the wonderful and dedicated staff at the F. J. Davey Home, who cared for Mom with such compassion, patience, dignity, and kindness. A special thank you to all the caring staff and PSWs at Driftwood Beach 2, especially Sam, Ragiene, Dami, Sarah, and Savi, for the comfort and care they provided to Doris and our family during her time at the F. J. Davey Home, especially in her final days.

Though our hearts are broken by her passing, we take comfort in knowing that Doris’s love will remain with us—in the stories we share, the traditions she created, the meals we remember, and the many cherished moments she gave us.

She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Family and friends are invited to gather for a Funeral Mass at Our Lady of Good Counsel (114 MacDonald Avenue) on Thursday, October 8, 2026, at 11:00am officiated by Father Trevor Scarfone, followed by a Celebration of Life reception in the church hall. Doris will be laid to rest with her husband David in Holy Sepulchre Cemetery at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Doris’s honour (payable by cheque or online) to the Alzheimer Society or the F. J. Davey Home would be greatly appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home – Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street E; 705-759-2522). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the family.