Doris Emily LOVE

Doris Emily Love October 20, 1914 - March 31, 2017

Our mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, Doris Love, died peacefully in Toronto with family by her side, at age 102, 27 years to the day of the passing of her husband Denis. She was a gracious lady, renown for her warmth, compassion and friendship to many in Canada, the United States and the Bahamas.

Doris' father, John Arthur Huston was an Irishman. He moved to Toronto in the early 1900s with his American bride, Alice Humphreys. It was there that he started a pharmaceutical manufacturing and distribution agency. Doris was born in Toronto, grew up there and in Port Credit. She attended the Toronto Model School and was one of the early campers at Camp Wapomeo in Algonquin Park. At a young age she and her brother Jack would take summer trips driving across Canada with their father to make sales calls on pharmacies. She later said there was not a pharmacy in Canada that did not know John Huston. As they rambled along across the roadless prairies, Doris would be the navigator. It was a job she later did so well as a mother and wife.
After graduating from the University of Toronto, Doris moved to NYC to attend the New York School of Decorating . At one point during the 30s, she worked at Eaton's in the fine dress department earning twelve dollars per week. Later, during the War she joined DeHavilland Aircraft, often chaperoning women from The Maritimes on the train to Toronto so they could work in the war effort. While working there, one day she walked into her office to find a brash fellow sitting in her chair with his feet on the desk. Without introducing himself he said, 'The trouble with Toronto is there are no mountains and no ocean.' He was from BC and his name was Denis Love. They were married in the First Unitarian Church in January 1945.

Denis grew the John A Huston Company internationally. They raised four children; Susan, Stephen, Brian and Charles. Life in the Love household was never dull as Doris joined Denis in his passion for adventure. Summers were filled with wonderful family times at De Grassi Point, Lake Simcoe. They sailed in the West Indies on the Ring Anderson, a reconditioned Baltic trader. Based in Grenada, they entertained their family and friends on many a sail up the Windward Leeward Islands.

In Toronto, Doris helped launch the art rental program at the Art Gallery of Ontario, served as president of the Ontario Epilepsy Society and remained active in the First Unitarian Congregation. Through the 1960's and 70's, Doris and Denis continued to welcome an endless stream of business associates, friends, family and young people. Their house was always bustling with life and laughter.

On Denis' retirement they settled in the Bahamas, enjoying a remarkable community where Doris was actively involved in various committees and foundations. Summers were spent at their home in Vermont. Gardening was her passion in both places. They also found time to travel, visit their children and grandchildren and fly fish in distant places where Doris often caught the biggest fish.

Denis passed away in 1990 and Doris continued to live in the Bahamas, enjoying the company of friends and entertaining visiting family. She returned to Toronto in her 96th year, accompanied by her Cuban dog Mitzi. With a smile and a pleasant word for all, she was blessed with caregivers who truly loved her.

Doris always had a very positive outlook on life. She was the eternal optimist, always inquisitive and interested in everything. She treated everyone she met with love and kindness. She had a special connection with everyone, due in large part to her kind way and her keen interest in all matters, from art, to politics and world events.

She was the adored mother of Susan (deceased in 2010) , Stephen, Brian (Carol) and Charles and stepsister Jill Bethune-Williams. She will be deeply missed by her loving grandchildren Laurence (Bill) and Virginie (Mark) Martocq: Matthew, John, Maria and Doris Love; Robin, Tim, Richard, Bridget and Rebecca Love; as well as her great-grandchildren Eloise and Charlotte MacKenzie and Oliver and Penelope McLean.

A celebration of Doris' life will be held at the York Club, 135 St. George St., Toronto, Wednesday, April 26th, 4:00-6:30pm. Dress code in effect.