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DOIG
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VIRGINIA DOIG
DOIG
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VIRGINIA DOIG

VIRGINIA MAIRI DOIG

1939 - 2022

VIRGINIA MAIRI DOIG obituary, 1939-2022

BORN

1939

DIED

2022

VIRGINIA DOIG Obituary

DOIG, VIRGINIA MAIRI (nee GILL) October 6, 1939 - November 24, 2022 It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Virginia Doig of Toronto on Thursday, November 24, 2022, at the age of 83 years. Virginia will be lovingly remembered by daughters, Katrine Milner, Isabel Pedersen, and Brenda Doig; grandchildren, Liam and Andrew Milner, Aurora and Blake Pedersen, and Quinn, Virginia and Georgia Plaxton; brother, Ronald Gill; nieces and nephew, Deborah Williams, Fiona Craddock, and Peter Gill; and sons-in-law, Robert Milner, Paul Pedersen, and Derek Plaxton. Virginia will be dearly missed by her friends at the Chartwell Grenadier Retirement Residence in Toronto, the High Park Village Fitness Club, and her beloved book club, to which she devoted more than 30 years of membership. Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, Virginia was educated at Cape Town University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree. She did graduate studies in Library Science at University of the Witwatersrand, helping to launch her long career as a newspaper librarian in both Johannesburg and Toronto, after her immigration to Canada in the 1960s. Virgina Doig contributed to the lifeblood of Canadian news for more than 25 years as a librarian for the Toronto Star. Commencing work in the 1970s, she helped hundreds of journalists find sources of information for their breaking stories. By the 1980s and 90s as the Internet era began, Virginia helped the Toronto Star transition to digital cataloguing of the news, making a significant contribution with her steadfast work. She was passionate about opera, symphony, dance, and theatre, annually visiting both the Stratford and Shaw festivals with her daughters. Virginia was known for her quick wit, great intellect, and fondness of swimming in the ocean. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made in the name of Virginia Doig to the Canadian Cancer Society. The family wishes to send a special thank you to the staff at Toronto Western Hospital, St. Joseph's Health Centre, Runnymede Healthcare Hospital, and Providence Healthcare for their compassion.

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Published by Toronto Star on Dec. 3, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
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5 Entries

Deborah wingate

December 10, 2022

Virginia was always a role model for me. We both worked in the Star library. I too had three children all about ten years younger than Virginia´s daughters. She told me two things she made sure they accomplished. Learn to swim and learn to drive. Virginia did the cryptic as I still do. And I well remember her annual trips to the ocean. We shared books we loved from our book clubs, and more than once I booked an air bnb Virginia had discovered. Virginia was elegant wise and somewhat private and mysterious. I know she was as devoted a grandmother as she was a mother. She had her boundaries I learned from. She would not be a baby sitter but she was always happy to take the grandchildren to whatever extra curricular activities they might have. What a wise woman. I am lucky to have known her. Deborah

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Patricia W

December 4, 2022

To Virginia's loving family, I send my condolences and a warm hug. I knew Virginia through the High Park Book Club. Because of her modesty, I knew little about her career achievements, but I valued her strong, well informed (but gently expressed) views on a wide range of books, and enjoyed her easy sense of humour. She was a delightful companion, a warm host and so clearly a devoted mom to her three daughters. Farewell, Virginia. I will miss you.

Krysanne C Klassen

December 4, 2022

Such a loss to so many. Virginia was a wonderful friend and a real treasure to have known. I fondly remember her 'hot' garden on Annette Street, full of colours that must have stirred her memories of SA. We shared so many wonderful meals and discussions and stories. So sorry she's left us but so glad to have so many wonderful memories!

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J Evangeline Kubin

December 4, 2022

'let perpetual light shine upon her' My deepest sympathy to her family. Virginia was a book group member for over 40% of her life. What a wonderful gift was her presence at our discussions, celebrations, and May Getaways. Dinner at her home was always an introduction to new wonders. We treasure that she shared life with us. Her grace, intellect, joy, and wisdom shone light into our lives. '

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