Doreen May Morrison

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Doreen May Morrison (née Wideman). Born on January 1, 1947, in Montreal, Quebec, Doreen passed away peacefully on July 14, 2024, in Muskoka, surrounded by her loving family after a courageous six-year battle with cancer. She defied the odds, outlasting the predictions of her doctors and demonstrating her indomitable spirit until the very end.

Doreen's life was filled with laughter, love, and dedication to her husband, family, and friends. She was a beacon of joy and resilience, maintaining her wicked sense of humour and infectious laugh even during her final days in hospice. She had a fierce love and devotion for her family, and the greatest honour of her life was being a mother and sometimes surrogate mother to the Morrison siblings and her children’s friends. Doreen's final moments were peaceful, with her family by her side, holding her hands and reminding her of the amazing and fulfilling life she led.

She is predeceased by her beloved mother, Elizabeth "Betty" Marjorie McDermott (née Marr) and father Laverne Kenneth Wideman, as well as many cherished grandparents, aunts, uncles, and dear friends.

Doreen is survived by her steadfast husband of over twenty years, James Desmond Smith. Her family includes her daughter, Alissa Eleanor May Morrison (James “Jimmy” Duthie), son Dane Ryan Alexander Morrison (Amanda), and their children, Alexandra Grace Morrison and Liam Ryan Sinclair Morrison; sister-in-law, Shelley Mary Elizabeth Reville (née Morrison), who Doreen and her first husband Barry Morrison raised as their own. Shelley’s children, Mitchell Reville and Lauren Reville, were like grandchildren to Doreen. She is also survived by her stepchildren, Wendy Smith (William Lumsdon) and Desmond Smith (Jo-Anne Allard) along with his sons Cody Smith and Tyler Smith; her two brothers Gerald Stanley Wideman (Connie) and their sons Bradley and Steven, and Troy Laverne Wideman (Liz) and their daughter Isabella; and brother and sister-in-law Stephen and Anne Cameron-Smith.

Doreen’s friends were a source of immense strength and joy, from her Bridge Ladies in Mississauga, including her dearest friend Jane Eadinger, to the Muskoka Swingers, the Pine Ridge Community, and her large circle of Muskoka and Florida friends. She deeply valued her friendships, both old and new, which continuously raised her spirits and supported her in countless ways. Visits from far and wide to see her in hospice made her feel so loved.

Doreen's life was marked by her passion for the various places she called home. From Kitchener/Waterloo, Mississauga, and Toronto to her beloved Muskoka and winter retreats in Florida, Doreen’s adventurous spirit took her to far-flung locales; starting with simple summer trips to the Marr cottage in the Laurentians and extending to an epic 17-day trip to London, Paris, Rome, Bangkok, Hong Kong, and Honolulu. She travelled extensively across Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, and North America, often with her husband, Jamie, for events related to the Antique and Classic Boat Society. She particularly enjoyed her time in Puerto Vallarta, her cherished vacation home for many years.

Her professional and volunteer endeavours included work in the University of Waterloo’s Psychology Department, where she worked with small, friendly, furry rodents. She also worked for a Computer Sales Company, as a real estate agent, and in interior design. Notably, she served as the Chair of the Board of Directors of Silent Voice Canada, where her ability to communicate in American Sign Language allowed her to connect throughout her life with her brother, Gerald, and others in the deaf community.

Doreen was known for her vibrant personality and zest for life. Described by friends as hilarious, loyal, and effervescent, she had an infectious laugh and a penchant for inappropriate jokes, witty banter, and hand gestures. No matter if she was heading to the grocery store or out on the golf course, she was always impeccably dressed, with perfect makeup, hair, nails, gold, and diamonds. Her love for boating and golfing in Muskoka and Mount Dora, Florida, shopping at Chico's, reading Hello!, watching The Bachelor, playing Mah Jong, arranging flowers, colour-coordinating her closet, and enjoying anything chocolate or salted caramel were just a few of her many passions.

Doreen was also an accomplished cook and baker, lauded for her amazing dinner and cocktail parties and hors d’oeuvres. She passed her love of cooking and baking on to her daughter and constantly shared recipes with all those who sampled her food. Her Christmas treats that she started baking in October, including homemade shortbread and Skor toffee bars, were legendary. Her love for the holidays extended to every detail, ensuring that her homes were perfectly decorated, and the food was exceptional. One memorable Christmas in Mexico saw her smuggling turnips and a turkey in her suitcase to ensure a traditional meal for her family in a foreign country.

Her dedication to interior design was evident in every home she created, especially her cherished cottage, Hemlock Haven, on Lake Muskoka, and Riverbend, the home she built with Jamie on Beaumont Drive. Doreen's homes were always a reflection of her impeccable taste and flair for design, with every pillow, painting, sculpture, and vase of flowers perfectly placed. Fresh flowers were mandatory, though there was a brief phase in the 80s when dried and silk flowers made an appearance. Hemlock Haven was decorated with a riot of peach and cream, and for a family wedding held there in the 1980s, Doreen insisted that the wedding attendants' attire match the furniture!

Doreen was the glue that held her family together, and her presence will be deeply missed by the Morrison, Wideman, Stables, and Smith families, among others. Her ability to bring people together and her commitment to family and friends were unparalleled.

The family extends their heartfelt appreciation to all Doreen’s close friends and loved ones who helped care for Doreen, to the doctors and nurses at Royal Victoria Hospital in Barrie, Dr. Mittal and Dr. Hammell of Bracebridge, at-home nurses, PSWs, and the compassionate care team, staff, and volunteers at Andy’s House-Hospice Muskoka in Port Carling. Your care and support for Doreen in her final days were unparalleled.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that you consider donating in Doreen's name to Andy’s House - Hospice Muskoka to support others on their final journey. Doreen would also appreciate recognition of their therapy cat Noir, who brought joy and smiles to both her and her family during her stay.

A private family funeral has already taken place. In accordance with Doreen's wishes, a party that will be a true celebration of her life and spirit will be held at a later date.

Donate to Andy’s House - Hospice Muskoka