Jeffery, Doris (Age 94, Mitchell)
Published on 17/9/2020
Doris Gertrude Jeffery passed away peacefully with family by her bedside, on Tuesday, September 15th, at South Huron Hospital; she reached the wonderful age of 94.
Doris was born at home on the family farm near Hensall, on April 25th, 1926, to parents Herb and Myrtle Kercher. She was the twin sister of brother, Ross, who predeceased her five years ago, and sister to Margaret, who passed away in February 2019.
Doris married her sweetheart, the local schoolteacher, Spencer Jeffery, in 1949, and they enjoyed fifty-five years together, before his passing in 2004. Spencer and Doris farmed in Hibbert township near Staffa, where she lived until 2017, when she moved to Exeter Villa Retirement Home.
Doris was the dear Mother of Judy Jeffery-Chambers and husband, Gord, St. Marys, Ruth May and husband, Stephen, London, and Bill Jeffery and partner, Cathy Tennant, Toronto. She was a special grandmother to seven grandsons and one granddaughter: Jacob May, Banff, Alex May, Bayfield, Jordan May and Joseph May, London; Dr. Janessa Chambers , fiancé Matt Kohn, and Zack Chambers, St. Marys; Stephen Jeffery, Fort McMurray, and Samuel Jeffery, Toronto; step-grandchildren Julie Glanville and Dr. Mike Chambers; and special family friend of Wilma Smolanski, London.
Doris was a longtime member of Hibbert United Church, Staffa, until its closing, and later attended Cromarty Presbyterian Church. She was the Social Convenor of Hibbert United Church for many years where she assisted in the delivery of many strawberry suppers and numerous funeral luncheons. Doris was a dedicated 4H leader for 44 years; she instructed hundreds of club members, receiving numerous accolades and awards. This provided the perfect opportunity for her to share her talents in sewing and food preparation; she made the best raspberry pies, ever! In addition to growing a large vegetable garden and huge strawberry patch, which she regularly shared with neighbours and friends, Doris was a talented pianist and played the organ in the church for a time. In her mid-50’s she undertook to learn how to swim and took lessons at Vanastra until well into her 80’s.
Doris loved to dance! She taught her children to dance in Staffa Hall, and especially enjoyed dancing with her twin, Ross. She was a stylish dresser and a lifelong, faithful wearer of hats. Doris also enjoyed live theatre and travel. Doris and Spencer travelled extensively taking more than two dozen cruises to many exotic destinations and agricultural tours to various settings in North America and around the world.
Doris was deeply cherished and will be greatly missed; the Jeffery family has lost its matriarch!
Friends will be received at the Lockhart Funeral Home, 109 Montreal St., Mitchell on Saturday, September 19, 2020 from 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. A private family service will follow. Donations may be made to the charity of one’s choice, South Huron Hospital Foundation or Cromarty Presbyterian Church.
Due to Provincial Covid-19 restrictions, those wishing to attend the visitation must schedule a time online by selecting RSVP under “Service Details” on Doris’ memorial page at LockhartFuneralHome.com or by phone at 519-348-8643. All coming to the visitation must have a scheduled time. The Bereavement Authority of Ontario and local Health Unit have mandated that everyone attending must wear a mask. Please arrive five minutes before your intended time slot and enter the funeral home upon your arrival.
