Obituary of Doris Oliver

Doris Margaret Oliver– On September 8th, 2012, Doris Oliver passed away peacefully after a prolonged but gentle struggle with dementia. She had cheated death several times in recent years, so her passing at this time was sudden and unexpected. Doris Margaret Graham was born in Stellarton, NS, on October 31st, 1920, to William Edward Graham and Violet (Gregoire) Graham. With the exception of a few years in her early married life, she lived on Queen Street in Westville from the time she was 4 years old until she was 78, when she moved to Ottawa to be near her daughter, Jan Reatherford. Her first career was in nursing, graduating in the early 1940s. But the nursing schedule was not conducive to family life so she took some secretarial courses and worked in office administration, finishing her career in 1985 at Mental Health Services in the Aberdeen Hospital. She was an adventurous woman for her time – had her driver’s license at 16 and took flying lessons in her 20’s, an interest she passed along to her younger brother, Bill Graham, who predeceased her in 2007. She was also predeceased, in 1992, by her husband and best friend, Milton Oliver. Together, they romped through life, spending almost all their non-work time with one another. They loved their many pets and enjoyed fishing, canoeing, snowmobiling, and cycling on their bicycle built for two. In Ottawa, Doris enjoyed coffee outings and drives with Jan, and the social events (particularly music) in her residences. Despite the increasing effects of dementia, she retained her pleasant disposition and was well-loved by the people who cared for her. She is survived by her daughter, Jan (Neil Herber) in Ottawa, her sisters-in-law, Mary Oliver in Florida and Kaye Graham in New Glasgow, and several nieces and nephews: Bill Graham (Angela), Linda Loftus (Pat), Terri Mason, Karl Graham (Nancy), Paul Graham, Doris Graham (Roger) and Gary Graham (Shauna). She was predeceased by a niece, Karen MacDonald and her husband, Paul, and by Terri’s husband, Warren. Doris is remembered fondly by Judy MacIntosh and Norma O’Brien who were frequently under foot in their early years. She was also predeceased by many much-loved pets. Cremation took place in Ottawa. A visitation will be held at Eagles Funeral Home, Westville, on Saturday, October 27th from 2-4 pm. There will be no service. Her ashes will be buried beside Milton in Auburn Cemetery, Westville. No flowers please. Donations may be made in her memory to the Humane Society, the Alzheimer’s Society, or to any charity that touches your heart.