Doris Alberta Gallagher died suddenly on April 13, 2010 in Regina, SK from complications of COPD. Doris was born in Bath, N.B. on January 7, 1928. Doris was a schoolteacher in several New Brunswick communities until progressive hearing impairment made teaching too difficult. Doris lived in Moncton, NB for more than 55 years, and in 2007 she moved to Regina to live with her daughter Evanna. Doris was actively involved in women's equality issues. She was a founding collective member of Crossroads for Women, a shelter for abused women in Moncton, NB. Doris was a member and supporter of Crossroads for more than 20 years and wrote the history of the organization. In 1987 Doris was awarded the Canada Volunteer Award for her work with Crossroads. As her hearing deteriorated Doris became involved with the Canadian Hard of Hearing Association, and she was an active member in the Moncton chapter of CHHA. In her youth Doris loved writing and painting. An avid camper, Doris went on camping trips with dear friends Beth McLaughlin and Helene Robb every summer for 25 years. Her camping companions will miss her "Isn't this the life!" comment, especially during particularly foul weather. Doris was predeceased by her parents, Bessie Wolverton (nee Giberson) and Gordon Tweedie, and her sister, Anna. Left with many fine memories are daughters, Evanna Simpson (Kathy Hamre) and Valerie Simpson; niece Angel Cortez; sister Eva MacLeod; brothers Harry, Donald and David Wolverton; grandson Lance Poplar; and many nieces, nephews and friends. Her Hearing Ear dog, Fendi, already misses alerting Doris to sounds she could not hear.
There will be no funeral. Evanna and Kathy will receive friends at their home to share memories of Doris on Sunday, April 18 between 2 and 5 pm. A social event to remember Doris, and to share her favorite food and drink, will be held in New Brunswick in July 2010. People who wish to be informed about the event in New Brunswick can email simpham@sasktel.net. Friends may honor Doris with a donation to Dog Guides, Lions Foundation of Canada, P.O. Box 907 Oakville, Ontario L6J 5E8, or to a women's shelter of their choice.