Doris Vera (Currey) Reynolds

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, sister-in-law, aunt and friend, Doris Reynolds. She departed her home in St. Catharines, on Sunday April 17th, just in time for her spirit to attend the Easter Processional at St. Thomas Church.

Doris was predeceased by her parents Dr. Douglas and Vera Currey, her cherished husband Donald Keith Reynolds, her beloved brother Don, sister-in-law Joyce, and sister Beth. And all the well-loved and numerous critters that shared her homes throughout her life.

She is survived by her children Douglas Reynolds (Kate) and grandson Daniel Reynolds, Anne (Gordon) Campbell, and Stephen Reynolds (Vittoria, sons Angelo & Joshua), nieces Donna-Jean (Russ) Mitchell and Kathy (Gordon) Martens, nephews Robert (Sharon) Currey, David (Cathie) Currey, Rob (Donna) Lagerquist, sister-in-law Joan (Thom) Lagerquist and their families.

Doris was born in the St. Catharines General Hospital on November 24, 1924 and grew up in St. Catharines. She recollected stories of watching the Shriners' parade going up St. Paul Street, riding down the stairs on her mom’s silk comforter, and summers spent at the family cottage near Port Dalhousie. She met her lifelong sweetie at 16 and followed him to U of T. They were married in 1949 and she became an adoring wife and wonderful mother. Don’s work had the family moving around until they eventually landed in Toronto in 1965. This made Doris quite happy, as now she was now close to her extended Currey family and her beloved St. Catharines.

An active community volunteer, Doris found herself supporting disabled children, youth and youngsters at church school, as well as immigrant families new to Canada. She was always ready to try something new and nurtured her lively enthusiasm in her home, through her children’s activities, their friends and families, and the wider interests of her loved ones…she loved to share the story of swinging on a high trapeze in circus school!

After her husband Don passed away in 1985, Doris grieved heavily yet displayed the strength of character that was always her deeper self, and eventually enjoyed a full ‘second’ life as a widow, homemaker, sister, sister-in-law, aunt, grandmother, friend and traveler. She kept herself active with yoga and walking, gardening, studied flower arranging, became passionate about quilting and followed her faith while re-establishing a socially active network of truly loved friends. Doris’ interest in Inuit art and culture took her to the high Arctic. Her fascination with the variety of North and South American cultures encouraged her to maintain her ability to speak Spanish. Her love of music, which started as a child, remained with her to the very end of her life.

She took up sea kayaking in her 70’s and enjoyed guided trips in Alaska, Belize, Canada’s West Coast, Jamaica, and on the St. Lawrence River. Her first dog sledding trip was in the Yukon at the age of 75. Her adventurous spirit always appreciated nature, wild animals and the great outdoors. Doris enjoyed many trips to Mexico and was especially thrilled to swim alongside the tortugas (sea turtles) and colourful fishes in the ocean. Always a natural water-woman, she loved swimming or simply floating and being immersed in fresh or saltwater.

Doris loved all creatures and fully supported the family ‘zoo’ through her married years and greatly admired the ‘little ones’ that she spoiled with daily and festive treats and admiration. In addition, Doris’ love of all people, ‘no matter how small’, was one of her most obvious gifts, and she lavished that gift on whoever she encountered, wherever she went!

Following the deaths of her siblings, she settled into a more solitary life on the family property near Port Dalhousie (Por-da-loosie). Spending her final years quietly enjoying the beauty of Lake Ontario, with the familial setting and spirits, and the myriad of creatures that came to visit and devour her children’s inheritance that she had transformed into seeds and peanuts. She found a joyful, peaceful life that included the welcome enrichment of family, friends and eventually caregivers who were loved and appreciated as her own. The last couple of years saw an increase in the many fine tunes sung and hummed, with her feet steadily tapping out the most vigorous or subtle dance steps!

We bid farewell to an amazing woman who we miss terribly, but know she is filling everywhere around her with her love.

¡Adios! ¡Besos y Abrazos!

Doris’ Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday April 30th at 1:00 pm at St. Thomas Anglican Church, 99 Ontario Street, St. Catharines, Ontario.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the charity of your choice or your local Alzheimer's society are welcomed.