Doris Mary CHOWN

1928 - 2021

Peacefully passed away on December 10, 2021, at the Royal Henley Retirement Residence with family by her side. Doris Mary Chown (née Mikkelborg) was born on Christmas Eve, 1928 and grew up on a farm near Zealandia, Saskatchewan. As the second youngest of six siblings she spoke fondly of her childhood years where milking the cows, collecting hens' eggs and driving the truck (at age 12!) were part of everyday life. Throughout her long life she was influenced by her parents' hardy resourcefulness and strong work ethic. She embraced progressive change and liberal values. Family was her greatest joy. In 1952 Doris graduated from nursing at the University of Saskatchewan and moved east one year later to join her older brother in St. Catharines, ON, working as Supervisor of Pediatric Nursing in the brand-new Hotel Dieu Hospital. Doris met Mackenzie Chown at a Liberal Party meeting and they married in 1955. They raised five children and Doris ran a busy, happy household, fitting in time for bridge and participating in Mac's life as a lawyer and as mayor of St. Catharines (1968-1972). The cottage they built in Muskoka became a family gathering place and Doris relished any opportunity to use her practical skills: swinging a hammer, cutting firewood, gardening and baking cinnamon buns or waffles for a crowd - and she always delighted in winning at cards or Scrabble! Although Mac died far too soon (1983) Doris went on to live a full life and loved having her children and grandchildren around her at the cottage or her Southgate condo, going on trips with friends or to see family, and becoming a bridge master. Doris is predeceased her husband, Mackenzie Chown, her parents (Mary and Charles Mikkelborg) and her sisters Frieda Gray (George), Mildred Locke (Grant) and Edith Heuser (Neil) and brother Gordon (Dora). Doris is survived by her brother Charles Mikkelborg (Gwen) of Calgary. Doris is also survived by her dear companion/partner of many years, Stuart Wilson. Doris will be dearly missed by her children David (Karen), Nancy Balcom (Jim), Donald (Linda), Bob (Mary Ellen) and Roger (Martha), her loving grandchildren: Chantal Richardet (Adam), Trevor and Lauren Chown; Kristen (Seth Hollar) and David Balcom; Sarah, Katelyn, and Laura (Chris Bartels) Chown; Dan, Erin, and Andrew Chown; Mackenzie (Kylee Hinde) and Emma Chown, and many nieces and nephews. A Celebration of Life will be held for Doris on Saturday, December 18 at 2p.m. at GEORGE DARTE FUNERAL HOME, 585 Carlton Street, St Catharines. In accordance with COVID protocols you are required to register with the funeral home in advance (please call 905-937-4444) and will be required to show your vaccine passport/I.D. before entering the funeral home. Seating for the celebration of Life is limited to 125 people. For everyone's safety, wearing masks and social distancing measures will be required. Live streaming will be available for those unable to attend the funeral service. Following the service, the family will be available for a limited visitation in the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to United Way Niagara.