Doris Winnifred Smith

Doris Smith, 96, of Halifax, Nova Scotia, passed away peacefully on February 14, 2026, after a short battle with cancer. She was a cherished mother, grandmother, and friend, and her presence will be deeply missed.

Doris and her sister Shirley were raised by their aunts Winifred Hardy and Minnie Hollingsworth, after their parents, Alfred and Mabel Horner, died of tuberculosis when they were very young.

Even as a child, Doris was strong-willed and independent. At the age of eight, she and her sister would take a rowboat across the narrows and spend the day playing, wild and free, around the cottages on the Dartmouth side.

Doris was a graduate of Queen Elizabeth High School and went on to complete the nursing program at Victoria General Hospital.

Doris was an avid athlete. Growing up, she enjoyed diving, swimming, tennis, and rowing. She loved to hunt and fish with her husband, Frederick. She was a passionate golfer and curler and served as the President of the Mayflower Ladies Club.

Doris was a loving mother to Fred (Virginia) and Tracy (Gilbert). She was preceded in death by her sister Shirley and her beloved husband Frederick and son Greg.

Doris was grandmother to Justin, Wesley, Brendan, Fred Jr., and Corinne and aunt to Edwin, Valerie, Joy, Wayne, and his wife, Paulette. Their kindness and generosity always meant so much to Doris.

The family is deeply grateful for her care team at the VG: Dr. Amos and nurses Scott, Sandy, and Nisha. Their skill and kindness calmed and reassured Doris. She knew she was in good hands.

A celebration of life will take place on March 8th from 1:30-3:30 at 5524 Heatherwood Court (building “A”), in the second floor event room.

Those wishing to make a memorial donation in Doris's honour may do so to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Canadian Wildlife Federation.