Doris Elizabeth Carmichael

Mar. 20, 1928-Aug. 30, 2024

Born in Creemore, Ontario in 1928, Doris was the daughter of the late Charles and Vera McCandlish.

Doris was the alto in the McCandlish Sisters trio, singing at weddings and various events with her sisters Marion and Audrey, in the Toronto area.  She spent many wonderful summers with her sisters on her grandparent’s farm in Stayner, Ontario.  As she got older, she pitched in helping her dad build the family home on Ashdale Ave., Toronto.  She worked for a number of years in the unemployment office.

In 1955, Doris made the journey to visit her dear friend Kay Ross for a two-week vacation. During that time, she caught the eye of a young man from North Sydney.  Following a trip around the Cabot Trail, she flew home to Toronto with the addition of a shiny, Bluebird diamond on her finger. The wedding was planned for five weeks later and Gordon brought his bride back to Cape Breton.  Together they raised a family of five girls and one boy.  Every second summer, the family would pack up the travel trailer, which Gordon had built, and make the trip to Toronto to spend time with family. Alternate years were spent touring places closer to home.  They celebrated 60 years of marriage before Gordon's passing in 2016.

Doris was member of Calvary Baptist Church, a member of the Senior choir, WMS and custodian of the Church envelopes for 50+ years, as well as other duties when required.  She was faithful to send birthday, get well and thinking-of-you cards to family, friends and anyone who needed a pick me up.  Hers were most often the first Christmas cards received each season. 

Predeceased by her parents, husband Gordon, sister Marion (Stan) Lake, and son-in-law Doug Hyde.

Survived by daughters, Nancy Robb, North Bay, Donna (Brian) Nunn, Vera Miehm, Judy Hyde, Ruth Ann (Howard) Atkinson and son, Charles (Tanya).  Grandchildren:  Becky, Gordie (Ran), Elizabeth (Cory), Joshua (Melissa), Caleb (Laura), Shawn, Erica (Colton), Lindsay, Christopher, Brendon, Jayden, Adam and Gabe.  Great-grandchildren:  Athena, Marcus, Sydney, Brooke, Olive, John, Sophia, Henry, Rachel, Lily, Izzy, and Addie. She is also survived by her sister, Audrey (Art) Frogley, nieces, Gail (Keith) Davis, Catherine (Barry) Mitchell and nephew, Les Frogley. Also surviving are many Carmichael nieces, nephews and cousins.

She enjoyed spending time reading, doing jigsaw puzzles and handiwork, especially embroidery; however, family meant everything to Doris. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy. She loved each and every one and enjoyed catching up on their activities.

The family would like to thank Dr. Anne Frances D’Intino, the staff and volunteers of Hospice Cape Breton for the care and support given over the past month.  Thank you also, to 5E Northside General, to Dr. Amy Wambolt and a special thank you to Dr. Paul Hickey for many years of care.

A graveside service for family and friends will be held for Doris at 11 am, Friday, September 6, 2024, at Lakeside Cemetery, North Sydney, with Pastor James MacLellan officiating.  Arrangements are under the care and direction of W.J. Dooley Funeral Home, 107 Pleasant Street, North Sydney.  Family flowers only.  If desired, donations in Doris’s memory may be made to Calvary Baptist Church or Hospice Cape Breton.  Condolences may be left for the family by leaving a message on the tribute wall of the obituary at www.dooley.com.