ANDERSON, Doris M. (nee Greer) - With heavy hearts that we announce the death of Doris M. Anderson, April 20, 2020, at the Roxborough Retirement Residence in Newmarket, ON, with her daughter Kathy by her side.
Our deep sadness is made bearable because she is now with her Lord and Saviour and in a much better place, joining her beloved husband George (Rev. George F. Anderson).
Doris was also predeceased by her parents, William E. Greer and Minnie Ruth Greer (Jotham), sister Ivy Eleanor Greer, brother William Ronald (Ron) Greer and Grandson Nathan Anderson.
Doris leaves behind a loving family; Lynne Welch (Gary), Neil Anderson (Roberta), Brian Anderson (Elaine), Kathleen Ferguson (William), Paul Anderson (Debra), Mark Anderson (Carol), as well as 16 Grandchildren, 27 Great-Grandchildren and 1 Great-Great-Grandson. She also leaves sister-in-law Eileen Greer and sister-in-law Iris Kinsman.
Born in Buffalo, NY December 10, 1924, Doris lived there with her Canadian parents until she was 7 years old and at that time moved back to Toronto, ON. At the age of 13 Doris met George and they were married 5 years later, October 2, 1943, just prior to George being deployed overseas. Doris did maintain her US/Canadian citizenship and for many years would spend summers in Canada and winters in Florida.
Doris had a wonderful operatic voice which she shared first through an Opera Company in Toronto and then through years of ministry in church choirs. Mom had an insatiable thirst for knowledge. Her love for ‘her books’ was renowned. Doris was a life-long learner and loved volunteering at the local library. Whatever she put her hand to was done with excellence and an attention to detail. She loved her computer and maintained her own records until a few years ago.
From managing the office side of her husbands business to leading Myers/Briggs seminars; from writing and editing a faith based newspaper, The Way, to wielding a hammer at a Habitat for Humanity build, Doris was definitely a devoted wife and partner with her beloved George. Many hours were spent preparing her/our family history and geneology to present to us as a gift and for us to continue. Her love for bird watching was a valued pastime and provided many hours of enjoyable car rides in both the US and Canada. However, above all was her love for her children.
Doris had a close and mostly very private journey with the Lord, all the while drawing from Him the strength she needed for each day. One of her deepest prayers was, “May God continue to bless this family. May we continue to draw nourishment from the faith which has been our source of strength for this family from the beginning.”
During one of our last visits Mom mentioned that she has been very thankful for her life; her "unique and loving" family of 6 kids and their kids and her longevity. Her deep, private faith in God gave her the foundation on which to live the whole of her life.
We get so much from people who have lived long and lived well: wisdom, love, the ability to navigate this world with maturity and kindness. Our mom exemplified the ability to age graciously.
Our very special thanks could be extended to so many, particularly in these Covid-19 days, however we need to single out the wonderful, caring, ‘above and beyond’ staff of Roxborough Retirement Residence in Newmarket, and the compassionate guidance of the Taylor Funeral Home, also in Newmarket.
Memorial donations to CNIB would be appreciated by family.
{fastsocialshare