Peacefully at Jessica’s House Hospice in Exeter, Doris Katherine Becker Haynes passed away in her 66th year, after a brave battle with cancer.
Doris was born in Orangeville in 1960 and grew up in Guelph. During her high school years, she was accepted for an exchange to Mexico, where she developed lifelong relationships with her host family and others. She studied at La Salle in Torreon, Mexico, where she became fluent in Spanish. Further studies took place at the University of Guelph and UWO, where she completed her teaching qualifications.
She loved to travel, and spoke fondly of her Baltic cruise to explore family heritage with her mother, trips to Germany, Greece and Mexico, and to both the east and west coast of Canada. Doris enjoyed multicultural experiences with food, music and language. She loved to sing, dance, garden, sew, create, bake and cook. In all things she would strive to master her skills, and would read and study before launching into a new interest. She was an unwavering fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and loudly cheered on her favourite team.
Doris was a passionate teacher who cared deeply for all of her students. She took extra care to encourage independent problem solving, and made special efforts to provide a fun learning environment, especially for her French classes. She was an active member of the Avon Maitland Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario, receiving a special lifetime achievement award at the time of her retirement in 2016.
Her teaching career led her to Grand Bend, where she happily settled into her “little slice of heaven.” She loved living near the water, and enjoyed the easy lifestyle there. She made enduring friendships with the people in her village, especially with Peter Haynes, who became her roommate, partner and ultimately her husband.
She was predeceased by her beloved mother, Rhoda (Rotraut) Holz, father Fred (Siegfried) Becker, and sisters Rose-Marie (Brian) Everett and Barbara Pajtas. Doris is survived by her cherished husband Peter Haynes, sister Louise Becker, brother-of-the-heart Ernesto Salas-Suller, daughter-of-the heart Samantha Thorpe, niece Erika DeGroot, nephews Derek Hader (Michelle) and Alex Pajtas, great-nieces Kali, Emma and Avery, great-nephew Taegan, and adopted grandchildren Lillianna and Ryot. Special recognition is given to Rena Clamen, Leanne Studerus and Lois Kennedy for many years of love and steadfast friendship. Doris spread joy wherever she went, and she will be remembered for her beautiful spirit, her genuine caring for others and her generous heart. Her memory will be treasured by everyone.
Many thanks are offered to the team of professionals who guided and supported Doris through her health challenges and cancer treatments, especially Dr. Van Osch, Dr. Leslie, the staff of Versteepen Family Cancer Center, the staff at Grand Bend Community Health Center, the staff of South Huron Hospital Association and the staff of Jessica’s House Hospice.
A Celebration of Doris’ Life will be held at Haskett Funeral Home, 456 Main Street South, EXETER on Sunday, April 19th from 2 – 4 PM. Doris wished that those attending be dressed in “bright, bold and beautiful” colours. Please also be scent-free for the gathering.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Jessica’s House, Canadian Cancer Society, ALS Canada, Heart & Stroke Foundation, Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Canada, Alzheimer Society Huron Perth or the charity of your choice would be appreciated by the family. You are also invited to carry out random acts of kindness in Doris’ memory.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Kevin McDonald
Peter, I never had an opportunity to meet Doris, but everything that I learned of her through you spoke of a very special person. I knew that she had a tremendous sense of humour and a great positivity. In the way that she approached the life. The life journey that she took, outlined in the celebration of life post, confirms that she was a very special and beautiful person
It’s hard to lose someone that we love. Unless somebody has experienced that, they don’t understand. Not really. May the many happy memories of time share together with her bring you comfort during a very challenging time in your life and in the lives of Doris‘s family members.
Jackie Rayner
To Peter, the Becker family, Rena, and Doris’ chosen family my deepest condolences for your loss. Hugs and prayers to you all while you adjust to the new normal, with out Doris’s loving light. She will never be truly gone, she will always be in your heart.
You were never a stranger with Doris. You were always greeted with a smile and a hug. Doris gave the best hugs! She spread vibrancy, light and life, through her colours, her smile, with her whole being. She enjoyed life to the fullest. Sharing adventures with Doris, was always an amazing experience. You didn’t always know where you were going to end up, but, oh the fun we had together.
We nicknamed our favorite cookie she made as, ” Crack Cookies, ” you could never have just one, they always tasted like more. I truly believe it was the love that she baked into each one.
She wore her rose coloured glasses, because she chose to see the best in life, and to, not to let circumstances control her. She battled cancer on her terms and while we lost her, she still won her war on her terms. She is no longer in any pain or discomfort.
Until we meet again beautiful lady, I will miss your hugs, and your light and our chats. I am thankful for having, had you in my life, you definitely made it better. Heaven may have you now, but I know that you will shake up the place, and, you will continue to spread your light and love, to those you chose to have in your life and love.
Hugs!
Sandra Norris
I first met Doris as a bartender at Finnigan’s in Grand Bend. I knew then that Doris’ enthusiasm for life would benefit her teaching. A unique person, Doris will be remembered by many.
Stephanie Donaldson
I was blessed to know Doris, or Dori Beck as I loved to call her through volunteer work I did at our wonderful Grand Bend Public School. Dori Beck was a loving, caring teacher, dedicated to her profession and the children she taught. She was a huge part of the ‘backbone’ of our amazing GBPS. For Beck you are loved and missed. Heaven has gained an angel at our expense.
Daryl & Carol Ann Keys
We remember Ms. Becker with fondness as a beloved teacher to our sons at the former Hensall P. S. A good teacher is a valuable commodity, and Ms. Becker was gold. God Bless her soul and all those who mourn her.
Janet Kurasz
A beautiful soul and a lover of cats. Nutso will miss her “mommy” – they were very close. A good neighbour and faithful friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Jamie Keys
Ms Becker made learning French as enjoyable as it could be. She was always encouraging and enthusiastic. The world is a little quieter without her in it, but her impact will be remembered by so many students.
Tena McKay
Peter I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Doris. I will always remember her as a kind person who really cared for her past students. She never failed to inquire of me how my kids were doing and what they were up to.
And yes, I will always remember her love of colour! My sincere condolences to you Peter at this time as you go forward without your wife and best friend.
Michelle Iredale
Mademoiselle Becker was by far my favorite teacher. I am saddened by this news, and will remember her fondly. So many great memories with her in French class.
She genuinely cared about her students, and took the time to get to know them, as kids, more than just students.
Au revoir, Mademoiselle. You will be dearly missed, and fondly remembered.
Danielle Kennedy
You will always be remembered as one of my favourite teachers, so bright and always smiling. You made learning fun & exciting and had a way of understanding your students like no other. Thank you for all the memories.
My condolences to all family and friends close to Mademoiselle Becker.
Mary Moffatt
I got to know Doris when she was teaching French at Hensall Public School. She was an enthusiastic, dedicated teacher who made learning a new language fun. She was kind, caring and always ready for a new challenge. Her enthusiasm and sense of humour kept all of us smiling and positive. She will be missed by her family and dear friends.
Matt Iredale
Rest in peace Mademoiselle Becker. You were one of my favourite teachers at usborne.
Condolences go out to her family and friends
Bob & Sharon Pavkeje and family
Sending our sympathy to Ms. Becker’s family.
Thomas
Und wieder ist der Kreis unserer kleinen kanadischen Familie etwas kleiner geworden und wir sind darüber sehr traurig.
Wir sind aber sehr glücklich darüber, dass wir über ihre Schwester Louise Dodo (Doris) zum Schluss noch beistehen konnten. Für ein wenig Ablenkung durch Briefe, Fotos und Nachrichten sorgen konnten, auch aus der Ferne.
Gerne erinnern wir uns an die Zeit von Familientreffen hier in Deutschland oder Kanada, den Spaß den wir hatten aber auch die Herzenswärme. Dodo, Du wirst uns fehlen.
Danke an Peter, Louise und alle anderen Familienmitgliedern und Freunden, die sie nie allein gelassen haben und bei ihr waren bis zum Schluß. Unser herzlichstes Beileid.
Für die ganze Familie Raudonat aus Deutschland, Thomas
(Tante Inge, Onkel Hans & Tante Heidi, Onkel Dieter & Tante Liesel, Thomas & Christiane, Doris & Arnie, …. und Kinder)
——–
And once again, our little Canadian family circle has shrunk a bit, and we are very sad about it.
However, we are very grateful that we were able to support her sister, Louise Dodo (Doris), at the end. We were able to provide some distraction through letters, photos, and messages, even from afar.
We fondly remember the time we spent together at family gatherings here in Germany or Canada, the fun we had, and the warmth of each other’s hearts. Dodo, we will miss you.
Thank you to Peter, Louise, and all the other family members and friends who never left her alone and were with her until the very end. Our deepest condolences.
For the entire Raudonat family from Germany, Thomas
(Aunt Inge, Uncle Hans & Aunt Heidi, Uncle Dieter & Aunt Liesel, Thomas & Christiane, Doris & Arnie, … and children)
Mary Lou Bilcke
Our boys were all saddened to hear the news of Doris’s passing. She taught all 3 of our boys at Usborne School and we have fond memories of her. She still followed them through the years on Facebook and always commented on their successes. Cherish your memories of a bright, fun, caring woman gone too soon.
Mary Lou, Ron, Corey, Tim & Ty Bilcke
Doug and Sharon Kyle
Extending our sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Doris. I got to know Doris at Exeter Elementary School. Cherish your memories!
Teri Croft
We ended up geographically far apart but never far from my heart. You made high school fun exciting and sometimes a little crazy, in the very best of ways. I know you will be watching over the multitudes of those you brought into your loving circle. Rest easy dear Doris and we’ll catch up later when I join you. You left us too soon. 💕🌷
Linda Dietrich (BMO)
Sincere sympathy to all, she was a wonderful caring peron I had the privilege to know through the years in Grand Bend,
Ian and Valerie
Peter and family, so sorry for your loss, Doris had the biggest heart and cared for so many people, she was always offering help whenever she could and making food for many of us. Rest in peace dear friend
Ina Bardens
Such a “bubbly” person will be sadly missed by so many. Condolences to the family, her many friends, and former teaching colleagues.
Cindy and Dave Shingler
Our deepest condolences to Peter and Doris’ families. She will be missed by many. Rest now, your suffering is over.
Ernesto Salas Suller
Doris, our Dorotea, that beautiful blond tornado who became part of my family in México… So outgoing, so smart, so kind, so happy… I’ll always have you in my heart sis! My condolences to her family, to her friends, to everyone that loved her… And specially to you, Peter.
Evan Clapp
You made a lifelong student out of me, Mademoiselle Becker. You saw me and gave me a safe space to be a kid in my otherwise turbulent environment. I think about you every time I sit with my son to help him with his homework. Thank you for everything.
Condolences to Doris’ family and loved ones.
Kari Matthew
Doris was a very special teacher and friend. One day she saw me in my classroom while walking past and stopped and pulled me out of class and told me she thought I just needed a hug. That hug meant so much to me and it was exactly what I needed that moment and I’ve always cherished that.
She has been a friend to me throughout my life since I was a child and into being an adult. I loved receiving little cards in the mail from her. She was a very supportive and thoughtful person.
Doris, you are loved and may you rest in peace.
Lori Dietrich(Gould)
Our sincere condolences and deepest sympathies
Larry & Bonnie Gould
I have fond memories of the time Doris and I spent together at H.P.S. Sorry to hear she has passed away. She will be remembered and missed by many. My sincere Condolences to her loved ones.
Bruce McGinnes
Remembering your smiles and laughter.
RIP Doris.
Jen Weaver
Doris has left footprints on my heart. She was a vibrant, cheer filled person who sought to spread joy wherever she was.
I will miss her laughter, her ambitious nature and her friendship. We stayed in contact virtually and that connection meant the world to me. I will try and continue the tradition of spreading joy whenever I can, in her honor.
Thank you Doris.
See you on the other side–
Karn Durdin
To all of Doris’ family and friends we send our deepest thoughts and prayers 🙏 She will be truly missed.
Karn Durdin and
Don Thornton
Sharon Vola
To Peter and Doris’s family ….
We are so sorry for your loss. Doris was a very kind lady and will greatly missed on our court.
God’s speed 🙏
Sharon and Jeff Vola
Janet Booker
Such a loss. Doris was an amazing person, very giving and loving. I will miss her laugh and smiling eyes.
Ben Forrest
Ms. Becker is one of a small number of teachers who made an enduring and positive impact on me.
She is the best languages instructor I ever had. Her enthusiasm and good nature permeated her approach to the classroom.
It’s only in hindsight that I appreciate how exceptional she was in teaching a bunch of rural and small-town kids, most of whom were indifferent to learning another language.
She deserved better students than us at Hensall Public School. We had no idea how good we had it.
Thirty-plus years later, I still remember some of the devices she devised to make French fun.
Merci boucoup. Best wishes to her family and friends.
Faye and Larry Skinner
Our condolences to the Becker and Haynes family:
Our children had Doris as a French teacher at Usborne Central School. The most vivid memory of Doris was that every time we saw her she said “big, bright, bold and beautiful.” She dressed in bright and bold colours and she wanted the children to do their school work in big, bright, bold and beautiful colours also. Doris will always be remembered for those words,
Cherish the memories as we have over the years.
Diane tadgell
Peter and family, so sorry for your loss of a wonderful person, she will be missed
Randy & Karen Stanlake
our hearts are broken at this news. Doris was an amazing spirit and always full of bright colours and smiles. She has always been there for my kids and I. So many stories will be told in the coming days to help comfort everyone. She sure loved life to the fullest and made th best of everything! her students all loved and respected her. Fly high my friends, until we meet again 🥰
Dave Frayne y
To Peter, family and friends
Sorry to learn of Doris’s passing.
She helped out my parents and my self when the first group of Mexican workers came to Exeter for work.
My condolences to all.
Malcolm Macgregor
You were always such a kind & generous teacher to me. I’ll always remember your kindness, Ms. Becker. Rest well.