Doris Marie Julian

In the early hours of Sunday, May 3, 2026, our matriarch, Doris Marie (Fischer, O'Brien) Julian passed away peacefully at her home in Brentwood Bay, BC with family by her side. She was born on a 100-acre farm near Mildmay, Ontario to Ottilia (Waechter) and Jacob Fischer on May 23, 1929. Her 12 siblings (2 of whom passed away shortly after birth) were her first and longest lasting friends. Mom/Nana taught us to plant, to play, to enter the fray and to pray. She was an excellent gardener who always found intriguing ways to prepare for the next planting season. Even though her large family necessitated quantity for their meals, she was not averse to attempting new dishes with a bit of spice. From an early age she developed a love for sports and cards; baseball, badminton and bowling were just a few of her favourites with bingo, canasta, cribbage, wizard, etc. always at the ready. Hiking, walking, and traveling were a great joy to her even if it was completed in a wheelchair in her last months. There were few challenges that she didn't face with courage and determination. As a young nurse she met Alfred O'Brien shortly after he had suffered serious injuries in a motor vehicle accident; they married on June 30, 1951, and had 10 children. After Alfred's sudden passing in February of 1966, she continued to raise her children on a rural property in Stoney Creek, Ontario with the love and support of her extended family. Trips to visit family in Southern Ontario hold fond memories. Somehow, she managed to get her children out camping and XC skiing on a regular basis; she was also able to take her older crew to Expo67 in Montreal. Her youngest child, Christopher, passed away in July of 1976.

After raising her family, she found love once again in 1985 with, Martin (Marty) Julian. As passionate gardeners, they soon realized that British Columbia was the ideal place for their retirement. Marty passed away in August of 1996. Several of her children have also made the Saanich Peninsula their home. The love and support of all of her children and grandchildren over the years extended her life. She very much appreciated frequent visits by other family members. Mom/Nana was a follower of Christ who came to understand the power of her faith, regular exercise, meditation and yoga. As a fifth generation Canadian of German heritage, she also developed an appreciation for different faiths and cultures. She will be missed by many for all her love and laughter.

Doris was predeceased by: her parents, Ottilia and Jacob Fischer; her siblings: Sister Rita Paul, Irene (James) Fraser, Edward (Mary) Fischer, Clara (Elton) Breneman, Mary Leona Fischer, Bertha (Wilbur) Weiler, Mary Ottilia Fischer, Patricia (Gordon) Anstett, Gerald Fischer, Mary Regina Fischer, William Fischer, and Bernadette Fischer; her husbands Alfred O'Brien and Martin Julian; her son, Christopher O'Brien; her grandson, Brien Stevenson and daughter-in-law Loretta (Battiston) O'Brien.

She is survived by her children: Mary (George) Toth, Michael (Carol) O'Brien, Patricia (Mark) Stevenson, Francis O'Brien, Connie (John Brady) O'Brien, Larry (Kelly) O'Brien, Gerry (Tullia) O'Brien, Dennis (Nicola Jenkins) O'Brien and Mark (Sonya) O'Brien. She is also survived by her 5 step children, grandchildren: Jason, Jeremy, Jeff, Julie, Shaun, Nicholas, Samantha, Alexandra, Christopher, Hunter, Lucas, Elena, Ryley, Christian and Erica, great grandchildren, her sister-in-law, Joan (Wignall) Fischer, 3 cousins and many nieces and nephews around the world.

Family and friends would like to thank her recent caregivers, Lisa, Lynn, Lina, Aurora and Stella who treated her with much love when she wasn't at her best. Along with the Saanich Peninsula Health Team, Dr. Manklow and Dr. Harper, these professionals made it possible for Mom/Nana to stay in her home.

Funeral services for Doris Marie Julian will be celebrated by Rev. Rolf Hasenack at Our Lady of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church, 7742 West Saanich Road, Saanichton, BC on Tuesday, May 19, 2026 at 10:00 am. Visitation for family and friends will take place prior to the funeral service starting at 9:30 am.

Family and friends will gather at a later date for a celebration of life.

In lieu of flowers a donation to charity would be appreciated. She planted life wherever she went—through her faith, her strength, her laughter, and her unwavering love—and that garden will continue to grow in all of us.