Doris Madeline Babcock

BABCOCK, Doris Madeline (nee Swain) A truly generous and loving spirit passed away June 7, 2011 in Courtenay, B.C. Born in Winnipeg, July 25, 1915, Doris was predeceased by her husband Charles Wesley Babcock and by brothers Douglas, and his wife Betty, and Edgar Swain and his wife Mildred, as well as by great niece Nicole Swain. Doris is survived by her six beloved nephews and nieces and their families, all of whom cherished her as a second Mom, Stuart and Jean Swain, Shauna and Corrie deKluyver, Stafford and Karen Swain, Grant and Lynne Swain, Graham and Joanne Swain, Shelley and Brian Cartwright. Doris lived an exceptionally long and happy life. Her greatest joy was always the love of her family and of her many friends. She maintained an extraordinary connection with all through her frequent beautifully worded letters and her delightful parties. Doris was also an artist, creating hundreds of beautiful paintings over the years. As a young woman Doris was a member of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet in its formative years. After their marriage in 1946, Doris and Charlie spent many years in small towns in Saskatchewan and Manitoba where Charlie managed the local branch of the Bank of Nova Scotia. They retired in 1969 to Victoria and settled in Oak Bay. Their retirement spanned three decades and was rich with family and friends and their membership in Oak Bay United Church. Not long after Charlie passed away in 2001, Doris moved to Carlton House where she enjoyed a wonderful and active life, making new friends and immersing herself in the many events and activities there. Recently Doris moved to Comox, where she could be closer to family. Special thanks go to her dear friend, Isabelle McKay, for her dedicated support, and to the staff at Comox Valley Seniors Village who cared for Doris so well in the last few weeks of her life. Doris will be greatly missed, and will be remembered for her enthusiasm for life and beauty, her graciousness and her radiant smile. A service to celebrate Doris's life will be held at Oak Bay United Church on June 29th at 2pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the BC Heart Foundation 628746