Doris Anne Bowman

Doris Anne Bowman

January 3, 1949 - February 17, 2025

It is with deep sadness that we say goodbye to Doris, and yet, we rejoice that this special soul is

now pain-free and without limitations as she joins those family members who have gone before

her. Doris is predeceased by her father, Walter Bowman (1984), mother, Annie Bowman (2012)

and brother-in-law, Ken Burbidge (2017). Left to mourn her loss are her sister, Verda Burbidge

her brother Don (Judy) Bowman, her niece Shellie and her nephew, Kevin. Ken often said that

Doris was the sister he never had. Verda and Doris had a very strong bond that wasn’t broken

when Doris went to B.C. They visited one another as often as they could. Barb and Gabe were

like sisters, too (Annie thought of them as daughters). They have been very supportive from afar

(Ontario). Doris had many relatives and devoted friends. Aunt Edna was like a second mom to

Doris and held a special place in her heart.

Doris and her siblings grew up on a farm. Doris considered the many cats pets and named

them. One cow, who was also named, was very special, too. Doris’s intelligence was evident at

an early age. At five she was already reading newspapers, and probably started following

politics shortly thereafter. Doris had a quick wit, but always thought before she spoke. She was

the go-to person for many friends, if they needed advice or only a sounding board. She

accumulated good friends throughout her life. From 1970 to 1977, she worked at Hurst

Equipment where she met her lifelong friend, Betty. In 1977 she joined Tele-Direct Yellow

Pages. She was highly respected for the job she did there, and it enabled her to travel with

fellow employees. They were good years, and she made more lifelong friends. Doris was able to

move to her dream location in Vancouver through a company transfer in 2000. In 2001, she

retired due to the company moving. In 2002 Doris became a mortgage advisor. The job was a

perfect fit due to Doris’s skills and her genuine desire to help people. She was in the business

until 2015.

Doris lived in Victoria since 2014. At her last residence she met a friend who was extremely kind

and helpful to Doris. Special thanks to that friend, Katie Jones; you and the boys meant a lot to

her. Orval and Iris Bowman were frequent visitors whom Doris really appreciated. Doris was

also very grateful to Tammy and Rob Jeske. You have all made the journey easier.

Doris died as she lived: on her own terms. She wished to thank the government for instituting

MAID, which allowed her to choose the right time for her to leave this earth. Doris was a five

decade Lupus Warrior. Her grace in living with pain, not complaining and always keeping her

sense of humour, has been an inspiration to all who knew and loved her. She is profoundly

missed.

At Doris’s request, cremation has taken place and there will be no memorial service. In lieu of

flowers, if you wish to make a donation, Doris had requested they be made to the Mennonite

Disaster Service, mds.org .