DORIS E. STONE

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DORIS E. STONE

April 8, 1926 - August 31, 2023

Our family is deeply saddened to announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and mother-in-law, Doris Stone, who passed away on August 31, 2023 at the age of 97 with family by her side.

Left to cherish her memory are her daughters, Barbara (David) and Elizabeth (Jim); granddaughters, Victoria, Brooke, and Camille; and her sister-in-law Janice Holden. Doris was predeceased by her mother Hazel Holden; husband Howard Stone; brothers, Jim Holden and Don Holden; and twin sons, Gerald and George.

Doris was born in the picturesque town of Minnedosa, Manitoba. She grew up playing in the fields with her brothers, Jim and Don and attending school where she excelled in literature and music. She was a bright student who enjoyed learning and had a passion for singing and reading. Doris worked at a Minnedosa café where she met Howard Stone, a young man from Rapid City, attending Brandon College and working as a projectionist at Minnedosa's Lyric Theatre. They married on Christmas Day in 1943, between showings of "I Dood It" and "Holy Matrimony." Sadly, their identical twin sons, Gerald Joseph and George Bradley, born a year later, passed away in infancy.

In 1947, the couple moved to Winnipeg, settling in East Kildonan. Their daughters, Barbara and Elizabeth (Betty) were born in 1947 and 1950, respectively. In 1950, the family moved to their new home in St. James. Howard worked at the Winnipeg Tribune from 1946 until his retirement in 1980, while Doris enjoyed her role as a wife and mother. She formed lifelong friendships in her community and often spent time with her dearest friend, Dev Cooper, sharing coffee, laughter, and conversations. Doris was actively involved in the Deer Lodge Community Club and captained a winning team at St. James Bowling Lanes.

A few years after her daughters started school, Doris found it was time for her to venture into the workplace. She was soon hired at Eaton’s where she worked in the toy department, ladies’ shoes, and then her true calling, the cosmetics department. She was promoted to sales specialist for Estée Lauder and then advanced to supervisor of the entire cosmetics department. After 20 years, she ended her career as manager of all the accessory departments on the main floor of Eaton’s Polo Park. This was a position very few women held. She was both liked and greatly respected by her staff, and several coworkers became lifelong friends.

In 1981, Howard and Doris moved to Saskatoon to be close to their daughter Betty and her family. Doris was an adoring and energetic grandmother who played an integral role in the lives of her granddaughters. Doris and family returned to Winnipeg in 1989. Here, she took up golf and continued playing until well into her 90s. Doris was a long-standing member of Assiniboine Golf Club where she made many treasured friendships.

The Clear Lake cabin was beloved by Doris, her children, and grandchildren, and was filled with happy memories of walks, bakery visits, and fun games like "Squabble," Password and Pit. Also enjoyed were jigsaw puzzles completed on the veranda table, attending Canada Day parades, lots of barbeques, and hours of laughter. Some of the family’s fondest memories included completing the New York Times crossword together. Doris's ability to solve some of the toughest clues was a testament to her love of literature, outstanding memory, and creative mind.

Doris’s greatest joy was her family. She took pride in them as individuals and took great satisfaction in their achievements. Education held significant importance for her, and she was proud that both her daughters and all three granddaughters successfully graduated from university. She consistently offered guidance and solace during challenging moments, and her absence will leave a void that words alone cannot adequately express.

Doris spent her later years at The Portsmouth Retirement Residence where, with the support of her health care worker/friend Grace Clemente, she thrived. Most recently, Doris lived at the Riverview Health Centre and the family would like to thank Dr. Blom and staff for their care and support over the past few months.

In accordance with Doris’s wishes, cremation has already taken place and a private service will be held for the family.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Riverview Health Centre.

For those who wish to sign the online Guest Book please visit www.chapellawn.ca



Chapel Lawn Funeral Home

204-885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 09, 2023