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Obituary of Doris Mae Martin
MARTIN, Doris – Ever so peacefully at home, with her daughters by her side, on Saturday, September 30, 2017, after a beautiful day of reminiscing with her sister and her girls, Doris Mae Martin of London, and formerly of Smiths Falls, in her 96th year. Beloved wife and best friend of the late George Thomas Martin (1995). Endlessly devoted mother of Ruth (Scott Adams) of London and Joan (Luis Cleto) of Stratford. Cherished "Grammie” of Erica Cleto and the late Matthew Cleto, and of Carolyn, Jonathan and Robert Adams. Loving sister of Isobel Anderson (the late James "Jim”) of Smiths Falls, the late Jean Gilpin, and Flora (the late James "Jim”) Dougherty of Brantford. Dear Aunt of Jill and Carol Dougherty and Jack Anderson. Beloved friend of Shirley Charlton, Teresa Muir and Marian Zehr.
Doris grew up in a warm and busy household of four girls in Smiths Falls, her father "Barney” driving locomotives for CP Rail and her mother "Katie” caring for the girls, sewing their clothes, cooking, baking, making preserves and managing the day-to-day activities. As a young girl, Doris’ life revolved around playing tennis with her sisters and friends at the Smiths Falls Tennis Club. Many an opponent experienced her wicked backhand slice. Doris also loved playing the piano and went "on the road” as the pianist for the Smiths Falls Curling Club. Doris was an enthusiastic member of the Presbyterian Church Drama Group, proudly playing "Miss Chatterbox” one year. Doris met George in high school and soon adopted his love for boating and the Rideau Lakes. Some of their happiest times were spent at regattas or touring the shoreline in George’s handsome wooden boat. Doris worked at Massey Ferguson as Secretary to the Manager, as a teller at the Bank of Nova Scotia, and as an Operator at Bell Telephone. She attended Nursing School in Kingston where she received her Nurse’s Cap. Doris and George were married and, after the birth of their two daughters, Doris devoted herself to the love and care of her family. Her generosity was infinite. George’s death in 1995 was a time of great sadness for Doris. It was also a time of new beginnings as Doris moved to London, Ontario. Here, she enjoyed a circle of dear friends. Above all, this gave Doris the opportunity to be close to her family, especially her five grandchildren who were everything to her and who were blessed to share so many happy times with her and know her so well.
Doris loved going on road trips with George, especially to the Chicago Boat Show. She loved watching sports, particularly hockey and tennis, and she cheered loudly! She loved chocolate, ice cream and all things sweet. She valued attention to detail – she loved a well-manicured lawn or garden. She loved finding that perfect Christmas tree or birthday card. She loved fine china. She had gorgeous handwriting and wrote interesting, newsy letters. She was funny and witty into the last few days of her long life.
Doris’ funeral service will be held at Harris Funeral Home, 220 St. James St. at Richmond, London on Friday, October 6 at 4:30, with visitation preceding from 3:30 – 4:30 pm. Family interment at Hillcrest Cemetery, Smiths Falls on Saturday, October 14 at 11:00 a.m. Memorial contributions to The May Court Club of London Breakfast Program would be appreciated.