Boyd: Doris “Mom”
With broken hearts we are sad to announce the passing of Doris Boyd (nee Clark), passed away with family by her side on November 6, 2024. While we grieve her loss we have comfort in the memories of the 5 generations she impacted and the future generations who will hear of her adventurous nature and never say no attitude.
While never moving far from home, mom experienced life and adventure to the fullest. Travelling across the US and up to Alaska. In Canada to the west coast, east coast and a summer trek in Baffin Island. Throughout Europe, Ireland, Croatia, France, Portugal, England and most of the islands in the Caribbean and at her other home in Ocala Florida. I’m sure we’ve forgotten some. Mom gave us all the bug for travel and we’ll always be thankful for that.
Born to Ina and Bill Clark in 1942 and Married Johnny Boyd in 1959.
Always a hard worker, mom helped our ‘full of ideas’ dad with the family farm. But also with the many gas stations, car and trailer repair shops, water truck businesses and more. Not one to laze around, mom also started the family tradition of working as a waitress. She loved the interaction with customers and while hard work she always made it sound fun. As we grew more independent mom sought out an office job. She started working at Modern Age Plastics near the airport. As the company was small she was able to grow as they did, retiring as office manager after more than 25 years. Mom retired as dad’s health deteriorated and he became her focus for many years to care for until his death after 52 years of marriage.
One of our favourite family memories was made from mom’s annual Christmas gift to her large generational family. Having way too many to buy presents for, she started a tradition of a family summer cottage rental. Family came and went throughout a week at a cottage, babies and adults alike spending time with mom while being told what to do of course – always the hard worker she couldn’t stop, lol.
Mom was also so lucky in life to find love again. Introduced to Harold Hulse at a euchre game they hit it off and for over 10 years rarely spent a day apart. Convincing Harold to get his first passport, they travelled together; enjoying life and retirement they were privileged to have many healthy years together.
Mom also maintained so many lifelong friendships and we especially thank all the girls in her life! The euchre friends, exercise friends, 54 plus club friends, nieces, coffee friends, garage sale friends, and of course childhood friends. All of you meant the world to mom and we are so thankful to you for your visits and spending time with her during her last months.
In 2020 mom was diagnosed with lymphoma and had to begin treatment. While initially the treatment seemed to have little effect on her adventures eventually she started to get tired. Frustrated by not being able to do as much as she used to, she resisted.
In 2024 with many complex issues, mom moved to the Elden in Bradford for assisted care and then to Matthews House Hospice for the final days.
To Harold, we know you miss her as much as we do. Thanks for sharing your life and last years with our mom. We are so thankful for all the memories with you and your extended family.
We’ll miss you mom more than ever and are so thankful as well for the strong loving family you and dad raised. Next time we’re on a trip we’ll put another pin on the map and fondly remember you, knowing you were of course there before us
Our mom leaves us with so much. We do not mourn, we reflect. We do not lament, we celebrate what she gave us, what she left us, what she meant to us. How lucky are we to have the memories. Forever in our hearts.
Daughters: Janet Meloche (Robert), Michele (the late Howard) Ballantyne and Jacquie (Kevin) Backman. Survived by brothers Bruce (Sherry) and Gord. Predeceased by sister Margie. Grandchildren: Holly, Rebecca , Jessica, Terry Jay a.k.a TJ, Derek and Matthew.
Great grandchildren: Larissa, Karlie, Sophie, Ella, Jace, Mason, Easton, Wyatt and many fosters who loved her. Great great grandchildren: Conner & Cowan.
The Family will receive friends at Rod Abrams Funeral Home 1666 Tottenham Rd., Tottenham 905-936-3477 on Tuesday November 12, 2024 from 10am until the time of Memorial Service in the chapel at 12pm. Reception will follow in the funeral home’s Cliffside Hall. Interment will take place in St. Patrick’s Cemetery Schomberg. In lieu of flowers, donation to Matthews House Hospice would be appreciated. Online memories and condolences may be left for the family at www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com.
Service
Memorial Visitation
Rod Abrams Funeral Home
1666 Tottenham Road
Tuesday November 12, 2024
10:00am - 12:00pm
Memorial Service
Rod Abrams Funeral Home
1666 Tottenham Road
Tuesday November 12, 202412:00pm
Lynn Jackson says
Janet, Michele. Jacquie, Harold and all of your family, I was deeply saddened to hear about the loss of your beloved Doris. She was a great lady who always has time for a smile and a chat. She has left you all with a wonderful legacy of love.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Edith walker says
Boyd Family.
So sorry to read of the passing of your mother. My memory is of a kind and caring lady who loved her family and friends.I always felt welcome in her home. May God give you the strength to carry on without her but to live as she did. Blessings.
Marlene Walker says
Janet, Michele, Jacquie and families. So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing
Marlene (Mabee) Walker says
Janet, Michele, Jacquie and families. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. May she rest in peace
Joanne Malcolm says
I’m honoured and blessed to have known “Mom”. She was a force of life and I miss her so much already. Thank you Boyd’s, Harold and your families for including me in your lives. Please accept my heartfelt prayers for you all.
Sueanne Archibald (Ballantyne) says
From our family to your entire family; we are so sorry for your loss. Doris brings back great memories of my childhood in Schomberg at the farm and it was always so nice to spend time or see her over the years after that; not changing one bit.
Sueanne and Bob, Christopher, Jocelyn, Brandon, Halle, Brianna and Brandon
Geri Cale says
I was so very sorry to hear of Doris passing. She was a lovely lady. My most sincere condolences to the family.
Pam Calandrella says
So sorry for your loss. My mother Marie Hollingshead Calandrella was fond of her cousin Doris. They’re together now I remember her always fun and adventurous. As she aged she looked more like my nana. Remember her and your dad loving to dance. Sending prayers and hugs to the family.
Robert Meloche says

Sending my deepest condolences and warmhearted prayers to my wife Janet, Michele, Jacquie, Honourable Harold and extended family.
Thank you Doris for welcoming me so quickly into your family. The 1st family “cottage” holiday that I attended at Sauble Beach. You made a point of including me in your private family photo session. I felt truly blessed by this gesture.
You gifted me the money to install flooring through out my new house. My 1st and only house warming gift. This was followed up by a new snowblower, so I would hurt back shovelling. So many more kind and thoughtful things to mention. But most of all.. thank you for bringing your lovely daughter Janet into the world and mine. She changed my life for a better one. I regret that I left somethings unsaid, so I’m writing a letter and will place it one day by your resting place.
God Bless
Rafik and Barb says
Jacquie and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. Your mom had a great life and an amazing journey.
Wishing you Peace and Strength during this very difficult time.
Thinking of you, Rafik and Barb
Eileen Schrank & Courtney McLean says
Courtney and I knew Doris through Harold. Even though we didn’t know her for a long period of time, she was a lovely lady. Our condolences go out to Harold and Doris’ family. Our thoughts will be with you during this difficult time.
Bonnie McPhee says
Our condolences to Jesse, Josh, Michelle and the rest of Doris’ family at this challenging time.
Grandma Evelyn Henderson
Bonnie and Dave McPhee and family
Joanne & Pete Duggan and family says
To Janet and the whole family, so sorry to hear about your mom’s passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Jack & Mary McBride says
To all the members of Doris’ large family and to her many friends, we offer our sincere condolences. Doris was one of those special people who was always ready to smile & have a visit. Doris will be missed.
Al & Dorrie Gallant says
Our sincerest condolences to Harold, Clark and Boyd family.
Doris was such a lovely upbeat lady. Always a smile and never too busy to have a chat.
Al & Dorrie Gallant
Diane Kitchen says
Dear Girls,
So sorry for your loss, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love Diane, Frank and Family
Anne (Clarke) Beers says
My heartfelt condolences to Michele, Jacqueline & Janet and all your extended family. Mom’s are special people and Doris was like a second Mom to me growing up. She always made me feel welcome and loved in her home. Being welcomed also came with work, but whether it was the basic chore of washing dishes, there was also new experiences like pumping gas, learning how to check the oil, helping on her mail route or riding in her antique car. Doris helped keep my childhood life interesting. My only memory of ever having “permission” to skip school was when Doris included me on her annual trip to the Hadassah Bazaar in Toronto which was the ultimate bargain hunting experience of my life so far!
Doris also helped me get my 1st paying job as a dishwasher then waitress in my teenage years. That’s when the fun really began for Michele and I but unfortunately this also meant that occasionally Doris experienced some sleepless worrisome nights
Fortunately, we laughed about it later in life but that was Doris, no looking back with any regrets. She loved life, always eager for anything and everything and was an inspiration to me in so many ways and I can only hope I have half her energy level in my retirement years. I will cherish all the beautiful memories you have left me with.
RIP Doris ❤️
Sandra Tessier says
My condolences to Doris’ family. I met Doris while playing cards in Tottenham and enjoyed her company. She always had a smile on her face.
Kevin Holmes says
Dear Boyd, Clark, and Hulse Families:
We were saddened to hear of Doris’ passing. She was a great lady, and our thoughts are with you all at this difficult time.
Kevin and Stephanie Holmes.
Jack & Mary McBride says
Doris’ family & friends: Jack & I are saddened by Doris’ passing. So many will miss her.
Lesley Simpson says
Sorry to hear of your loss and the passing of Doris. I was lucky to meet her after she met Harold and you could see the happiness they had together. How fortunate to find a partner at that age & stage.
Doris lived a very full life and she will be very fondly remembered by so many.
RIP Doris
David and Maureen Archibald and family says
Our sincere sympathy to all the family
brian robertson says
Our condolences to all of Doris’ family. She was a very special person who went out of her way to help others. She; along with some friends helped to give Rita and I a memorable 50th wedding event at Club 54+.
She also taught me to not take things so seriously and not to let little things bother me. She also helped me so much with learning how to run the 54+ Club and to be the best I could be. I will always cherish her friendship and I know that she will be missed by so many different people whose life she touched.
Rest in peace!
Brian & Rita Robertson
Linda Hughes Baker says
My condolences to the Clark, Boyd & Hulse families.
Doris had always such a brave spirit for life and living, no matter the
obstacles. Some precious & fun memories are drawn from our days
at SS #1 Dunkerron elementary school & by-chance meeting at the
infamous Havelock Jamborees. The tribute to Doris has been so
beautifully written by family, significant of the life, joy & love shared.
Doris’s example gives you strength on your courageous journey ahead. Precious memories remain always.
Gus Clarke. says
Offering my sincere condolences & heartfelt sympathy to you Michele, Your sisters &. All your family in the loss of your mom. Doris was a wonderful lady that will be missed by all of us who every knew her & her family. My prayers are with you all.
Gus Clarke
Elaine Pittman says
My deepest sympathy to all of Doris’s family. She was such a lovely and kind lady. Rest in peace Doris. You will be missed.
Linda Camilleri says
My sincere condolences to Doris Family. She was a good friend , always on the go. We traveled to Crotia around St Jacob’s, anywhere A car can go. Car will travel Loved her cards, involved in many activities. Will miss here smiles and get up and go. You are now in peace God Bless you.
Gary Coleman says
Michele and family. Your mom was a regular on the garage sale circuit with you and a lovely person. May she rest in peace. Condolences to you and your family.
David Metcalf says
Sorry to hear about your Mom. I remember her taking me to get my suit for Clarence and Linda’s wedding in his Mustang and her trying to park it with no power steering. Also spent the summer with all of you helping your Dad in garage in at the farm and the drives on weekends in crown Victoria. My heart goes out to all of you.
Sheila Acorn says
Jacquie and Family,
Please accept my sincerest condolences on the loss of your mother. May all your memories help you through this difficult time. Sending my thoughts and prayers and may your mom rest in peace.
Sheila
Abhishek Gaur says
My deepest condolences on the passing of your mother. Wishing you strength and peace during this difficult time. – Abhishek
John and Nancy Goodwin says
Doris was the person that welcomed us into the 54 club and made us aware of all that it had to offer. She was a very gracious and lively lady and will surely be missed by all that knew her. Our sympathies go out to all of her family,
Susan Porter says
I recently met Doris at our euchre club here in schomberg, her and Harold are regular members, up until Doris could no longer attend. She was such a classy gentle soul and it was my privilege to know her. I know dear Harold will miss her so much. My condolences to all her family and those who loved her.
Anne Matson-Archibald says
Our sympathies go to the Clark, Boyd and Hulse families on Doris’ passing. She was always so upbeat and a joy to be . Anne and John Archibald
Marianne Malcolm and girls says
Our deep condolences to the entire Boyd family and Harold. Loved by so many and what memories!
Cheri Perdicaris says
Our deepest and sincerest condolences to Janet, Michele, Jacquie, Harold and your Families. On behalf of our mother Nancy, it was an honour and a privilege to be a part of Doris’s life. Best of friends forever, their many trips and escapades together with Johnny and Brian will go down in infamy! Doris showed what a true friend is and how precious every moment you have on this earth can be, she showed us all of that, and more! Thankyou Doris for being the very best friend to our mom, your many visits, hosting an 80th bday brunch with friends for our mom, the countless ‘stop for garage sales’ escapades with or without us kids and most importantly….. that always optimistic ‘suck it up buttercup’ mischievous smile and twinkle in your eye attitude! Thankyou Doris for just being you. We will miss you. ❤️
Nancy McCloskey, Cheri Perdicaris and Family
Barry and Linda Matson says
Our sincere sympathy to all the family. Always enjoyed our short chats to catch up.
Kathryn Vandenheuvel says
To Doris’ family, I offer my sincere sympathy as you process the loss of Doris. You do not know me but Doris played cards with my husband, Henry, until his demise this past summer. She also played with our daughter, Barbara. I know first hand how important her card friends were to her. I am impressed by the full life Doris has lead. She will be watching as you continue in her footsteps. Blessings to you all
Kathryn Vandenheuvel
Colette says
Jacquie and family;
Our sincere deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved mother. She sure was a trooper! I’m sure you have so many memories that will carry you through this difficult time. Thinking of you.
Love Colette & Edward (Pividori)
Tony Douglas says
My sincere condolences on the passing of a great lady.. Doris will be greatly missed.
Wendy-Sue says
I was so sorry to hear of Doris’ passing. She was one of the finest women that I have ever met, Doris welcomed everyone in her presence. That inclusivity and generosity of spirit translated into kindness,caring and an unbelievable boundless energy.
Doris proved herself to be a force among women and her presence will undoubtedly be missed.
Garry&Mary says
Our very Deepest sympathies to the Boyd families and Harold and family during this very sad time
Garry and Mary Wiley
Donna Argent Williams says
We will all miss Doris! She was such a Lovely Person! Condolences!
Dan and Dalyce says
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of your mom. Your Mom will be missed. She was a wonderful women. Thoughts and Prayers go out to your family.
Ron Boyd says
Our condolences to your family .
Bonnie O’Hara says
So sorry to hear of Doris passing. She was a lovely lady. Thoughts & prayers to all the family. She will be missed.
Jennifer Tracy says
I remember telling aunt Doris how when I grew up unwanted to be just like her….this conversation was about 5 years ago. She inspired me and filled me with awe. She will be greatly missed. Love to all my cousins
Margaret Groombridge says
Our condolences to Harold and families….i will miss her. We enjoy lots of conversations at Tim Hortons every Wednesday and when she went to Elden we visited there as well…and had a final goodbye at Mathew House.
RIP Doris
Robert and Linda says
Our condolences to the Family and Harold Doris was a very active person. She also told it like was.
Rhonda Owen says
So glad Marilyn and I got to see her and say goodbye
Lorna&Doug Graham says
We are so sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, but what a wonderful life she had. This is a beautiful memory of a lovely lady. Our deepest sympathy.