Obituaries

DORIS BIRT

It is with heavy hearts that we say goodbye to our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother Doris Caroline Birt (nee Baillie), who passed away peacefully on January 29, 2021. Along with the many video calls from family, her daughter Kathleen, and grand-daughter Ashley were fortunate enough to be with her to provide comfort during her last days.

Doris’ curious spirit and “up-for-anything” attitude shaped her incredible life, making her an inspiration to all who knew her.

Born in Vancouver June 5, 1923 Doris moved to Winnipeg in 1943 with her parents John Austin and Caroline Fraser Baillie after the loss of her brother John Robert (Jack) in combat in 1942. She met her husband-to-be Murray Birt on a blind date on Canada Day that same year. They married February 14, 1944 and grew to a family of six, welcoming children: John Charles (Jack), Dianne Margaret, Derrick Murray, and Kathleen Anne. Sadly, Murray passed away unexpectedly in 1965. With support from her mother, Doris persevered to provide for her family, working with the Winnipeg School Division, retiring as Head Secretary at Elmwood High School in 1988.

Never one to be idle, Doris followed her interests and established herself in many communities; including as a member of the University Women’s Club, supporter of the WSO, Manitoba Opera, and MTC (just to name a few!), and a dedicated volunteer at the Misericordia Hospital Women’s Auxiliary Gift Shop. She kept her mind sharp taking extension courses at the University of Winnipeg well into her 80s, did the daily crossword religiously, and was never to be found without a book. Travel was another of Doris’ passions taking her to memorable destinations around the world such as: New York, England, Germany, Paris, Hong Kong, and her all-time favourite: Hawaii (where she met the legendary Don Ho!).

In her spare time, Doris was always happy to have a chat with friends and family over coffee or wine. She was a formidable hostess, and delightful guest at parties. Her still-growing family will miss hearing the stories of her adventures and her infectious laugh at Sunday dinners. We will forever cherish the memories of moments we shared, wishing we’d been granted the time to make more.

You are in the hearts of your children Jack (spouse Nancy) and Derrick (spouse Rosanne) Birt, and Kathleen Oreziak (spouse Kaz); grandchildren Richard (spouse Lorna) and Steven Pierson (partner Neesh Pannu), Murray (spouse Sally), Graham (spouse Nicole), and Duncan (spouse Nicole Smith) Birt, Ashley DeVries (spouse Jason) and Madeleine Oreziak (fiancé Kyle Chatterson); and great-grandchildren Jack, Kennedy and Taye Pierson, Isabel, Oliver, and Cali Birt, and Feliks DeVries. Doris was predeceased by her daughter, Dianne Pierson and son-in-law, Don Pierson.

The family thanks the staff at Seven Oaks Hospital and Get U There for the care and kindness they provided to Doris in her final days. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be sent to www.wojciksfuneralchapel.com