Doris Joan Stafford (née Vondette) of Alliston, Ontario passed away peacefully at the age of 85 on Tuesday, September 22, 2021 at Matthews House Hospice. Doris and her loving husband Ross, who passed away in March, were married in 1964 and lived in New Tecumseth for fifty years. She will be dearly missed by her children Arthur and Nancy, daughter-in-law Robina, grandchildren Rayne, Savion, Jurnee and Willow, siblings Jeanette, Judy and Arthur (Margaret), and many other cherished family and friends. Born in Espanola to Emile and Angele Vondette in 1932, Doris was the 14th of 17 children. She worked for the Toronto Building Trades as an Office Manager for 25 years. A proud member of the St. James and St. Paul’s Catholic Women’s League for 20 years, Doris led the Lazarus Committee at St. James for much of that time, coordinating the lunches prepared by volunteers for funerals. A gracious host with a flair for culinary delights, Doris enjoyed throwing showers for her nieces and nephews which included mock weddings and male belly dancers. This witty humour of hers was also apparent in her board-game prowess and late-night gab sessions. She participated in organizing two family reunions for over 200 of her parents’ descendants, those weekend shenanigans are still talked about! In their retirement years, a love for travel was sparked which took Doris and Ross around the world – to Europe, the Caribbean, Hawaii, China, Australia – but they were just as content exploring Canada and were particularly fond of Niagara-on-the-Lake and Quebec. An avid reader, Doris especially favoured Louise Penny’s novels centered around the Eastern Townships of Quebec, World War II narratives about resilient women, and John Grisham mysteries. We want to offer a special thank you to Matthews House Hospice for their caring support of Doris and family in her final days. A private family mass of Christian burial will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Church, Alliston on Tuesday, September 28, 2021 with cremation to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations to Southlake Cancer Centre, Newmarket or Matthews House Hospice, Alliston, would be appreciated by the family. Arrangements entrusted to Rod Abrams Funeral Home Tottenham 905-936-3477. www.RodAbramsFuneralHome.com
Service
Private Family Mass of Christian Burial
St. Paul the Apostle Church, Alliston
Eileen Kearney says
My deepest condolences to Arthur, Nancy & families. Doris & Ross were a fun couple and we always enjoyed their company. My prayers are with all of you.
Jacqueline Conlan and Family says
Our condolences to the family and friends of Doris Stafford, and we offer healing prayers and caring thoughts for comfort on the loss of a lovely person.
Mrs. Stanford’s sparkling disposition, compassion, kindness and caring ways will be remembered by everyone who knew her, and by those whose life was made better because she lived.
Mrs. Stafford was always very kind and supportive to my son during the Catholic Women’s League public speaking competitions. She had a knack for making you feel special and comfortable in her presence.
Many Blessings,
Tony, Jacqueline and Leighton
Sheri Sallows ( Jackson) says
Sending sincere condolences to the Stafford family. Doris was such a lovely lady! She will be missed by many!
Megan and Joan Dunn Ord says
Art, Robina, Rayne, Savion and Jurnee:
Just wanting to send our condolences along during this sad time. The obituary was beautifully written. Doris sounded like she had quite a life. Sending lots of love and hugs your way. Love Joan and Meg.
Rachelle Hodinka says
We are deeply saddened by the loss of Doris but know beyond doubt that she has reunited with Ross. Your parents welcomed us into their homes numerous times and always feed us copious amounts of delicious food. We always felt like a part of the family and we suspect that they made everyone feel that way. Heaven has gained a remarkable couple!
Wishing you all peace and love as you grieve your parents.
Shelly and Kit Hodinka
Lil and Bill Therriault says
I so loved my Aunt Doris. She was so lovely, kind and always with a warm smile and a twinkle in her eyes. I so enjoyed our telephone visits and especially, any of the times we were able to get together. I loved being part of the large, happy family reunions whether at Grandma and Grandpa’s farm and later at the large hall in Espanola. Doris was one of the “Top Ten on the Hit Parade” (as their adoring brothers called their ten sisters. And always, with her ready wit and welcoming nature, she was also a hit among her many nieces and nephews.
Bill and I were often the willing recipients of fun times at the home of Doris and Ross and treasured the times they visited at our home. We miss them both.
To my cousins Nancy and Art, you have been blessed with wonderful parents and we extend our heartfelt sympathies. Please take care of yourselves and know that we are thinking of you. Love from Lil and Bill
Gail Morgan says
My deepest condolences to the family at this sad time. I will always remember Doris’s beautiful smile.
Shirley Donivan says
What amazing memories we have of our Aunt Doris and Uncle Ross and those wonderful reunions on the farm. My sincere condolences to Arthur and Nancy, the grandchildren, Robina and the siblings. This was truly a wonderful family who filled our hearts with joy and treasured memories. What a beautiful reunion with Ross and Jesus as they welcomed her into her heavenly home, where there is only joy and no sickness. My prayers are with your family.
Beatriz Baumfeld says
Dear Nancy and Family:
My sincere condolences to all the Family. I met Doris and Ross shortly after I moved to Loretto in 1976, we both were Parishoners of St.James, Colgan and then as we moved to Alliston we became Parishoners at St. Paul’s, Alliston. I was privileged to be able to bring Holy Communion to Doris for the last few month, I will treasure our conversations and all the times we went to CWL dinners, meetings and special occasions. May Doris rest in peace and I know she is happy to be together again with Ross. She will live in my heart for ever. Prayers go out to all the Family.
Judy Sample says
Arthur and Nancy I am so sorry for your loss. Aunt Doris was always a pleasure to
see at family functions. Being one of the many recipients of a belly dancing wedding
shower I do look back fondly on that time,as well as the reunions. I am so glad I got to talk to her back in June on the phone and then through email for her birthday. The
both of you are in my thoughts along with your families. I am sure your mom and dad
are happily together again
Judy Sample
Lyn and Jim Altilia says
We will always have a smile in our hearts when we think of your Mom and Dad. Such a rare friendship is like the pearl in an oyster. Our thoughts are with you during this very sad time. God bless them both.
Gail Morgan says
My sincere condolences to Doris’s family. It’s been a a very difficult year with the passing of your Dad and now Mom is such a short time. They are together again.
RIP Doris
Kathy Fitzgerald says
To the family
I was so sorry to hear of Doris’ passing. I knew her from our days with the St.James CWL. What a lovely lady. I will keep her in my prayers. May she rest in peace.
Brian and Charlotte Burden says
It was with great sadness that we learned of Doris’ death recently. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Stafford family at this time. We knew Doris and Ross as neighbours and members of our Parish family and delighted in their company. They will be very much missed.
John Barb Jackie Gartner says
It was with sadness that we heard of Doris’s death. May she Rest In Peace with Ross.
Jim and Shirley Hanrahan says
We offer our sincere condolences to the family of Doris. She always had a smile and it was a pleasure to meet both her and Ross to chat with. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Martina Keogh says
Arthur, Nancy and family, please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved mother and grandmother. You have suffered the loss of both your parents in such a short time, but must be assured that they are together again!
Jeanette Burke says
I will miss you , sis, but I know you are in a better place., with Ross
Ann Tatangelo formerly Livesey says
My sincere condolences to Doris‘s family. Like Doreen Roberts I met Doris and Ross when I moved to Beeton in 1972. We were privileged to have known such a fun loving couple and although I’ve seen Doris only once in the last 40 years it was a lovely dinner at her home in Tuscany Grande . Rest in peace Doris you’re with Ross now.
Ivor & Ginny Cathcart says
Please accept our sincere condolences at this very sad time. Each time we encountered Doris she was a true delight to chat with.
Doreen Roberts says
I send my deepest condolences to Doris’ family. I have had the privilege of knowing her for nearly 50 years, as she and Ross owned the Red& White Grocery Store when I moved to Beeton in 1972 and then reconnected with them here on Tuscany Grande when I moved here 10 years ago. I am thankful to have shared many good times with them.
Janet and Mike Dunn says
We have many wonderful memories of Doris and Ross, we are so blessed to have known your parents. We will keep you in our prayers.