Doris Hilda Rooke

Doris was born in Neepawa Manitoba on Feb 6 1922 to Gilbert and Euphemia Rikley. She moved to Hammond, B.C. with her parents and younger brothers when she was 5. As a youth, she delivered, by bicycle, milk and eggs, which were from their small farm. After high school, she worked as a bank teller in Hammond. She met Ernie Rooke in 1944 and they were married in January 1946.

During the next 11 years, they bought a 5 acre piece of property where they raised over 1000 turkeys annually. At the same time, Ernie worked full time as a psychiatric nurse. All four children were born during this time.

In 1957, Doris encouraged Ernie to uproot the family and move to Davenport Iowa to study chiropractic. During that time, Doris worked part time in a children’s clothing store and babysat for other young parents in the trailer court where they lived, to help support her husband and family while Ernie attended college. Lifelong friendships were formed with dear friends in Davenport. In 1960 in Davenport, Doris accidentally pricked her thumb on a sewing needle. Blood poisoning set in rapidly. It was feared that she would not survive. She lost some of the flesh of her thumb. God had much more for her to do, and through the prayers of many she healed, and was able to serve God and others.

In 1961, they moved to Chilliwack where Ernie set up practice as a chiropractor. During the early years until Ernie’s retirement in 1987, she worked in his office as the receptionist. Both Doris and Ernie were very active in their church, teaching Sunday school and holding Bible studies in their home. They both had a deep commitment to their Christian faith.

Doris’s gift of hospitality was evident. She and Ernie often opened their home to visiting missionaries. In the 1970’s they sponsored a young Japanese woman called Joy, to come to Canada to study . Joy has remained connected to the family and is often referred to as their adopted daughter. From time to time, they also took in distressed foreign travelers often ended up becoming lifelong friends.

In 1981, the Rooke family opened a Brownies Fried Chicken in Abbotsford. Both Doris and Ernie were very involved and supportive. Ernie doing equipment maintenance and bookkeeping. Doris loved to be hostess in the restaurant, helped train staff as well as helping with banquet preparation and serving. She particularly loved interacting with customers. Although in some ways she was quite reserved, she loved engaging with people socially.

In 1987, Ernie retired, and shortly after that, they moved to Abbotsford.

During this stage of their lives they traveled extensively visiting, Asia, Australia,, New Zealand, Europe, and South America. They also traveled in Canada and the United States in their motorhome, visiting most of the provinces and states. In her 80s, she took the air brake course so she could relieve Ernie in some of the driving of the motorhome. She was very proud of this achievement and so was her family!

Following Ernie’s Death in 2008, she continued to live independently in her home even driving her car until she was 97 years old. She then moved into Hallmark independent living where she celebrated her 100th birthday in February 2022.

The month following her 100th birthday, she had a major stroke. After a month in the hospital, she moved into The Oxford, a senior living long-term home care until she passed away on November 23, 2023.

Doris will be remembered for her servant’s heart, for being a deeply committed Christian and for her love for her family.

Doris is survived by four children, five grandchildren, 14 great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Ernie

A visitation for Doris will be held Monday, December 4, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Henderson's Fraser Valley Funeral Home, 34537 Marshall Road, Abbotsford, BC V2S1M1. A graveside service will occur Monday, December 4, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Maclure Road Mennonite Cemetery, 33965 Maclure Rd, Abbotsford, BC V2S 7W3. A a celebration of life will occur Monday, December 4, 2023 at 1:30 PM at New Testament Baptist Church, 5525 Gladwin Road, Abbotsford, British Columbia.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.hendersonsabbotsfordfunerals.com for the Rooke family.