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Doris Dowd-Aldridge, age 80, passed away very unexpectedly, but peacefully, in her home on Sunday, March 25, 2012.

Everyone who spent time with Doris always commented on what a wonderful and “kind heart” she had. Doris is also known for being very thoughtful and giving. Hundreds of people have beautiful afghans decorating their homes, thanks to Doris. Each afghan was a gift from her heart because she took the time to inquire about each person’s favourite colours, and then would purchase those colours and make them a unique gift.

Doris had an open door policy and loved to have company. One of her favourite things to do was to have them sit down for a nice meal and a good visit. If you only had a minute, she would sent you away with a cookie in your hand.

Doris was born and raised in Washington State and married Art Dowd in June of 1950. Doris was delighted to have a daughter, Patricia Ann, her only child, in 1956. Art and Doris were dry land wheat farmers. In 1965, a good friend of Art’s invited them to come spend a few weeks on beautiful Quesnel Lake. They fell in love with it and had an opportunity to buy property on the lake and built a beautiful summer home in 1969. The day Patty was let out of school; the family was on the road to Quesnel Lake, where they spent every summer. After 21 years, they sold their ranch and moved to town where Art had a part time job with the Washington State Experiment Station and they were able to spend 6 months of the year on Quesnel Lake at their cabin.

They had such a love for this area that during 1983 they bought property in Horsefly and permanently immigrated to BC in 1986. Doris and Art celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in June 1990. Unfortunately, during October of 1990, Doris discovered that her breast cancer had come back a second time. She was sent to the Vancouver Cancer Clinic for three weeks of intense radiation. During this time, Art became very ill and without warning passed away in their home on the same day Doris was returning with her daughter Patty.

Doris had been given a 25% chance of survival on the second occurrence and was told to get her affairs in order as she had a maximum of two years to live. Doris and Art had built a beautiful home in Horsefly and Doris did not want to leave, so she helped her daughter, son-in-law & grandson immigrate to Horsefly, from Washington State, to be close to her and help look after her needs. As a surprise to everyone, Doris beat the odds and lived another 21 years, cancer free.

Doris married Olin Aldridge in October 1996. Due to health issues, in February 2011, Doris was unable to look after herself any longer and moved back in with her daughter and son-in-law, so they could take care of her needs.

Doris was a life time member of the Sunshine Chapter of the Eastern Star, as well as a member and strong supporter of the Horsefly Women’s Institute.

Doris was an awesome mother, a wonderful friend and a dedicated wife.

... She will Never be Forgotten and Always Missed ...

Doris is survived by: Her daughter and son-in-law, Patty Dowd & Bob of Horsefly, BC Her grandson and his wife, Sonny & Mindi Zumwalt of Hoquiam, WA Six Great Grandchildren: Great granddaughters: Hailee, Logann & Paityn Rogers of Williams Lake, BC Great grandson, Denver Rogers-Normand of Williams Lake, BC Great granddaughter & grandson: Kalina & Gavin of Hoquiam, WA Husband, Olin Aldridge, Seniors Village, Williams Lake, BC Doris was predeceased by: Husband, Art Dowd in 1990.

At Doris’ request, there will be no funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory, to the SPCA.

LaPrairie’s Funeral Services entrusted with arrangements.

250-398-9100




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