Obituary of Doris Annie Taylor

TAYLOR (nee Irwin), Doris Annie – Peacefully at Vision Nursing Home, Sarnia, on Monday, December 11, 2017 at the age of 88. Beloved wife of the late John Boyd Taylor (2012). Dear mother of William Taylor (Bonita Ovens), Karen Taylor (Kevin McBride), Tammie Taylor (Mark Sansom), loving grandmother of Jessica (Patrick Smith), Patrick Ovens (Katarina), Scott Ovens (Suzanne) and great gramma of Julian Ovens. Doris was the eldest sister of Kathleen Annable and is predeceased by her siblings, Bert Irwin and Dr. June Irwin, and beloved daughter of Thomas Albert Irwin and Gertrude Youngs Irwin. Doris Annie was active in the Cornwall community and had the distinction of being the first female paper carrier for the Cornwall Freeholder during World War II. She was a proud, member of the Glengarry Highlander dancers and was active at her high school - Cornwall Collegiate and Vocational School, organizing pen pal clubs for the many young soldiers stationed overseas, and graduated with distinction at the tender age of 15. She then petitioned her father to sign papers allowing her to start working at the Howard Smith Paper Mill in Cornwall, later named Domtar Fine Papers. Throughout her 50-year career there, she maintained many non-traditional female roles; among them buyer for the electrical department and Central Receiver. Doris was instrumental in creating the office workers union, and fought for early feminist issues, specifically protected maternity leave for all women, regardless of marital status. She remained an active and vocal member of the union until retirement in 1994. Known for her stylish elegance, a tall beauty with red locks, assertiveness and sense of humor, she earned the nickname "Big Red". Doris was very physically active her entire life, from working in the fields of her grandparents farm during the harvest, an avid walker, she was also part of the Domtar Health and Safety committee, as well as teaching fitness to her fellow employees until retirement at age 65, and only stopping her twice weekly work outs at age 85. Cremation has taken place. Private family arrangements entrusted to the McKENZIE & BLUNDY FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE, Sarnia, 519-344-3131. Interment at a later date. As an expression of sympathy, friends who wish may send memorial donations to the Cornwall Hospice, 1507 Second St West Cornwall. Messages of condolence & memories may be left at www.mckenzieblundy.com