Andree Doris, 1923 - 2007

“It broke our hearts to lose you mom, but you never went alone, For part of us went with you, the day God called you home.” Andree Florentine Doris, a longtime resident of Falher and Whitemud Creek, passed away on August 17, 2007 at 83 years of age. After suffering from a stroke in mid-July, Andree was cared for by her children and the staff at Aspen House, the senior facility in Morinville where Andree lived for the past eight years. With the support of Aspen House staff, members of the family were able to be with Andree night and day, which brought her final moments of love and peace. Three of her daughters were at her side when God tucked Andree under his wing and guided her home. Andree Doris (nee: Mencke) was born on November 10, 1923 in Leeuw-St-Pierre, Belgium. She and her brother Gaston Mencke, arrived in McLennan in 1929. Together with their parents Gustave and Louise Mencke they started farming in the Ballater area. Andree married Bert Doris in 1943 and together they raised 13 children. After leaving the farm in 1975, Andree and Bert moved to Falher where they lived until Bert passed away in 1995. Andree stayed in Falher for another four years but then moved to Aspen House in 1999 so she could be closer to her children living around Edmonton and also to her sister Gilberte Sasseville, who resided in Morinville with her husband Lucien Sasseville. Andree was predeceased by her husband Bert Doris, her parents Gustave and Louise Mencke, and her grandson Jason Boily. Survived and loved by 120 immediate family members She is survived by 120 immediate family members and in-laws, including Harold and Cecile Doris of Red Deer), Jack and Rita Doris of Grande Prairie, Lorrette Boily of Barrhead, Tom and Patty Doris of Sexsmith), Linda and Tom Bienz of Spruce Grove, Alice and Dean Killam of Calgary, Paul and Laurie Doris of Valleyview, Jocelyn and Lyle Tonne of Valleyview, Margaret and Dave Griffith of Kalispell, Montana, Robert Doris and Nora Blaszczuk of Mulhurst, Lou Doris and Fred Rau of Barrhead, Mark and Carmen Doris of Grimshaw, and Mike and Mercy Doris of Edmonton; 53 grandchildren and their spouses; 41 great-grandchildren; her brother Gaston Mencke of Grande Prairie; and, her sister Gilberte Sasseville (Morinville). Andree’s funeral was held at Notre Dame de Lourdes Catholic Church in Girouxville on August 25. About 250 family and friends gathered to share condolences and to remember the many random acts of kindness that Andree was known for. Andree and Bert’s 13 children and their families were by her side to celebrate her life and to show their love and appreciation for all the values that Andree gave them so lovingly through some very difficult years growing up on the farm in Whitemud. Courageous and unconditional love Andree’s courage, determination and unconditional love were constant reminders to all of the life she lived, right up until her passing on August 17. Father Edward DeSouza officiated and the music ministry was provided by Ginette Aubin. Pallbearers were grandchildren JoAnne Marsh, Wade Doris, Jason Doris, Dennis Boily, Amanda Kavanagh and Aaron Doris. Interment followed at Whitemud Creek Community Cemetery where Andree was laid to rest beside Bert, just a few miles from where they first homesteaded in the early 1940s. Arrangements were made - with thanks - by the Chapel of Memories, Peace River. Donations, in lieu of flowers, were requested to be sent to The Parkinson’s Society of Alberta, Room 3Y18 Edmonton General, 11111 Jasper Avenue, Edmonton, AB , T5K OL4.