It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our dear mother and the strength of our family, Doris Anne Hill on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, at the impressive age of 95.
Doris was born on December 10, 1930, in Baird, Ontario to Dona and Adele Vaillant. As the fourth eldest of 13 siblings, she was always caring and supportive towards her family, whom she loved dearly. Family was everything to her and she was at the center of ours. Home truly was where her heart was.
A proud Canadian and a resident of Westfort for over 55 years, Mom preferred to stay out of the spotlight. Still, she shone brightly behind the scenes with her infectious laughter, sense of humor, and inspiring resilience. She was incredibly patient & supportive of her husband’s community work while keeping their home filled with fresh air and pine scent. When Dad received the Ontario Medal of Citizenship in 1995, she joked “I should have gotten one too.” Mom didn’t fit into traditional molds – marrying at 30, having her last child at 40, enjoying a ‘real’ job and firmly believing women were just as capable as men.
She is predeceased by her husband Richard after sharing 62 wonderful years together in 2023. Doris leaves behind her children Suzanne (Graham Brooks), Darren (Penny), and Sheryl (Dave Veltri) along with her beloved grandchildren Kennedy Brooks (Evan Sandham) and Everett Hill – as well as siblings: sisters Pat (Roger), Lorraine, Evelyn (Stan), brothers Lorne (Eleanor) and Orville (Eunice), plus sisters-in-law Wendy and Nan Vaillant.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to the team on 7N at Hogarth for their care over these past two years; a special mention goes to Joseph for bringing out her giggles and spirited nature. We are especially grateful to our youngest sister Sheryl for providing loving care to Mom – along with nieces Carolean and Francine who were always there when needed.
A woman grounded in faith and a member of St. Agnes Church for more than half a century, a funeral mass will take place on Wednesday February 25, 2026. Family and friends are invited to gather in St. Agnes R. C. Church for Funeral Mass starting at 10:30 am celebrated by Rev. James Panikulam. Interment will follow at St. Andrew’s Catholic Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held Tuesday evening at Blake Funeral Chapel from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm with Vigil Prayers taking place at 7:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Thunder Bay Regional Hospital Foundation for Northern Cardiac Fund which would be greatly appreciated by the family.
Mom, rest peacefully now. Dad and Auntie Aggie are waiting for you.
Love you forever.
Online condolences may be sent to www. blakefuneralchapel. com.
