Doris Emily Dungey

Doris Dungey – A Life Well Lived

In the year of Doris’ birth, 1930, the first Mickey Mouse comic strip appeared; Scotch Tape was invented, and Prohibition Enforcement was strengthened.

In the city of Toronto Doris was born on September 12th. Her parents had been saving money for Doris to be born in the hospital and they lived with her mother’s mother. But times were tough, and Doris’ grandmother took that money in lieu of rent and Doris was born at home.

Doris attended Danforth Technical High School and thrived in Industrial Chemistry, one of two girls to graduate. She went on to work at the University of Toronto, School of Hygiene as a lab assistant. She fed lab rats a diet of B6 and then gave them a shot that sent them to rat heaven. Then she cut out their livers, ground them up and examined them.

Then fate stepped in, as fate does and Doris met and married George, a WWII pilot, married for 62 years. They lived above the Dungey Bakery, but Doris was not one to knead bread and when the opportunity to rejoin the Airforce came, they leapt at the chance and became a military family for the next 20 years. During that time, their family grew, Doug, Debra, Lori and Leanne. For someone who had never left Ontario she became somewhat of a nomad, posted 8 times. They started in France which Doris loved. She learned how to drive, got a Renaud and was she was off visiting museums, bars, and Haute Couture Houses. The kids raised themselves. Then there was the wine and food!

Upon arrival to France their first home was a 4th floor apartment with no elevator. When the apartment had to be painted, they moved to a transient apartment for a few weeks and then back into another apartment, upon which time that apartment was due to be painted so they moved out and into another apartment. Mom had to clean up and pack then unpack for every move. They were given a notice that another apartment move was imminent, at this time Doris told George that if he didn’t sort this out the next move would not be to another “temporary” apartment, but back to Canada, kids and all. George got it sorted.

Upon retirement from the military, George became an airport inspector with Transport Canada and the family moved to the West Coast. Doris accompanied George on many of his trips into the wilds of British Columbia in a 4-seater float plane. It wasn’t Transport Canada’s protocol but when did that ever stop Doris?

They lived in West Vancouver for 39 years. Doris was involved in Toastmistress, politics and Mary Kay. They then shifted to Victoria to be closer to their daughter and family, Denis and Kyle. Doris’ love of art was reinvigorated, and she started painting again. Then one day Doris saw a painting and thought WOW I’d like to paint like that. She contacted the artist and signed up for lessons and her abstract phase began. She joined a group of creative, feisty artists who painted regularly.

Throughout the years Doris made a yearly pilgrimage to New Zealand to spend several months with her daughter, Lori. During that time Doris made many friends, drank the fine wines of New Zealand and left her mark.

In April 2021 Doris moved into Tapestry where she was welcomed with open arms, and she made many good friends. She loved being a part of the writing group, she loved her invigorating dinner table but didn’t enjoy the exercises as much. Mom would often comment how much she enjoyed the company of the people and staff of Tapestry and felt part of a community, a family.

Doris has always been one to roll with the times. She had lots of challenges in her life, but she was born with a stubborn streak to ensure she wouldn’t fold, or give in. “Never let those bastards win”, she had a great sense of humour, loved a good tipple and appreciated her wonderful family support. Mom lived to the impressive age of 93.

Loved by daughters Lori and Leanne, son-in-law Denis Drouin and grandson Kyle Drouin. Preceding her is husband George, son, Douglas and daughter, Deborah. Doris passed at Amica Jubilee and we would like to offer a special thank you to all the staff there who were wonderful. Doris leaves behind a legacy of strength, kindness and a radiant spirit that brightened the lives of those around her.

Two celebrations of life are being held:

Friday, May 17

2:00-4:30 pm

Tapestry, 777 Belleville Street, Victoria. BC

Saturday, May 25

2:00-4:30 pm

West Vancouver, BC

- Please contact 250-818-1008 for details.

If you wish, please donate to the Red Cross ( Donate to Red Cross ) or the charity of your choice.

Thank you,