September 18, 1950 - February 15, 2013
With deep sorrow we announce the passing of Doris Ann Thomson. After a courageous 9 month battle with cancer, Doris passed away peacefully at Lillooet District Hospital with family at her side.
Predeceased by Gordon Thomson (father) Doris is survived by her loving partner, Cam Alexander of Lillooet, her mother Marion Thomson of Lillooet, sister Jackie Flint (Alex) of Lillooet, brother Donald Thomson (Denise) of Mississauga and children Michelle and Chet LeBlanc.
Born in Toronto, Doris married and had two children at a young age but raised them as a single mother persevering through trying times. She moved to B.C. in 1983 living in Wells, Kamloops, Falkland, Barriere, B.C. and briefly in Sydney N.S. before settling in Lillooet in 1999.
Ann or ‘Annie’ (as many knew her) enjoyed camping, fishing, playing pool and darts, gardening, listening and dancing to 50’s and 60’s rock and roll and playing video games with her partner, best friend and “rock”, Cam.
Doris loved animals, owning or fostering 20 dogs and 7 cats in Lillooet between herself and Cam, with Nici (Chihuahua - passed 2008) and Daisy Duke (‘Chorkie’ - survived by) being her dearest.
Doris worked as bartender at the Lillooet Royal Canadian Legion part time for 2 years and many years at the Wells RCL where she was missed when she left. She was a cook in Barkerville B.C. in the early 90‘s, where she took it upon herself to paint the restaurant exterior a shocking pink, violating the historical society code - it’s still pink, everyone liked it.
Although earning a diploma in Home Support/Resident Care in 1993 from Thompson Rivers University, Kamloops, a motor vehicle accident soon after graduation ended Doris’s pursuit of this career and any other regular work until her passing due to perpetuated debilitating ailments. Regardless of her chronic pain, Doris was able to apply her training to care for several seniors and she courageously and stubbornly pushed through her pain to accomplish her goals and to help others - she had no ‘off switch’.
Doris was an amazing pizza maker and had an aspiration of opening a pizza ‘joint’ in Lillooet, physical limitations withstanding. Most who had the pleasure of trying her
pizzas agreed they were the best they ever had. She also baked incredible cinnamon rolls, apple pies and other
wonderful baked goods for others to enjoy.
Doris and her sister, Jackie, were known by many as ‘the bag ladies’, hauling large garbage bags of empty bottles and cans for recycling strapped to their motorized scooters which they also used to sell apricots and cherries along the highway.
Doris will be sorely missed by all family and friends. Finally enjoy the peace and rest, you earned it tenfold.