Doris Anderson

It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Doris Anderson, with her family at her side, on Tuesday, September 13, 2016 at her home in Hillsdale Estates Long-Term Care Facility in Oshawa, Ontario.

Doris, along with her twin brother Donald, was born on June 30, 1931 in Barwick, ON 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 September 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, 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, quilts to name a few, a bouquet of flowers from her garden, or gifts of food or bake 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 were often 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’s 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 1960’s 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 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, ON, Brian Anderson and Nancy Stinka of Bear Passage, ON, Maureen and husband, Jim Gartshore of Whitby, ON, and Carla and husband, Dale Hallquist of Bridgeton, NJ; nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren: Kirsten and husband, Darryl Falzarano of Martensville, SK and their children Noah and Madeline, Erica and husband, Mitch Chaboyer of Winnipeg, MB and their children Winona and Lucas; Tatum Anderson and Kyle Sandness of Vancouver, BC, Rachel and husband, Ryan Gustafson of Toronto, ON; Jennifer and husband, Robert Webster of Belleville, ON and their children Julia and Hayley, Stephanie and husband, David Sionit of Thornhill, ON and their children Olivia and Ethan, Amy and wife, Amanda Gartshore of Bowmanville, ON and their son Edison; Megan Hallquist and Mathew Hallquist both of Bridgeton, NJ; one sister, Florence and husband, Edward Lampi, of Devlin, ON; sister-in-laws: Lorena Jaman of Atikokan, ON, Viola Domanski of Fort Frances, ON and Joyce Sobeleski of Thunder Bay, ON; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.

She 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; brother-in-laws Ray Mercier and Carl Domanski; and sister-in-laws May Cross, Delores Cross, Ila Cross, Jennette Cross, Joan Cross, Corinne Cross and Bergit Mercier.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 8, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at the Knox United Church in Fort Frances, ON with Rev. Ralph Fluit officiating. A private family interment will take place in the LaVerendrye 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 Street, Fort Frances, ON, P9A 1E1.

Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.