Obituary of Doris Irene Harris

April 5, 1930 – Wild Cove, Newfoundland

September 1, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

In the early morning hours of Sunday, September 1, 2024, we lost our loving mom and nana, Doris Irene Harris at the age of 94.

Doris was born in Wild Cove, Newfoundland on April 5, 1930, the first child of Gilbert and Julia Pinksen. She became a big sister to eight brothers and sisters and lived with them all in the family home until she left to work in Toronto at the age of fourteen. She met Don Harris, the love of her life, when she was 20, and they were married soon after.

Don’s job as a geologist brought them to Calgary in 1952, where they raised a large family in a home filled with love. Mom believed that caring for her children and husband was the most important job she could have, and this remained her belief until her last day.

She was an amazing cook who prepared the most delicious holiday and Sunday dinners for her family. Even as the family expanded to the point where we could hardly all fit in the house, Doris made it work and continued preparing meals for us into her late 80s.

She lost Don after 67 years of marriage in 2017 and moved from her beloved home in Willow Park to Signature Manor, where she was loved by residents and staff for her warmth and kindness. She had a special friendship with Ruth, with whom she enjoyed conversation and a glass of wine most evenings. Doris enjoyed knitting until her last day and made many toques, which she donated and gave to friends and family.

Mom always considered her daughter and sons-in-law to be her own children, and in turn, they loved her like their own mom. Doris was a wonderful nana to twelve grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. She had many friends over the years, most of whom she outlived. Doris and Don had a very special friendship with Art and Elsie Gerber, who became like family.

Doris lived a long and healthy life filled with love and will be missed by many. Towards the end, her memory was failing her, but she could still recite many poems, sayings and songs that she retained over the years.

Doris is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Sharon and Dale; son and daughter-in-law, Brian and Patty; daughter and son-in-law Deanne and Peter and daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Greg; and grandchildren, Lisa, Ryan, Jenna, Mark, Joel, Josh, Michael, Katie, Lauren, Evan and Christian. She is also survived by her sisters, Betty, Viola, and Inez; and brothers, Eric, Eugene, and Ivor.

Doris was predeceased by her two sons, Ian and Michael; grandson Austin, brother Alymer, and sister Verna.

Funeral Services will be held at McInnis & Holloway (Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB) on Sunday, September 8, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at the Funeral Home.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join Mrs. Harris' service streamed live (see link below) on the day of the service. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to their favourite charity as a gesture of remembrance for Doris’ generosity and kindness.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Doris’s family here.

In living memory of Doris Harris, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Click Here to Sign the Video Guest Book and Watch Doris's Celebration of Life