Doris D'Oyly

Doris Ruth DOyly lived a rich and full life, taking care of her family and keeping up with life-long friendships. Learning to play the piano when she was young, knitting and needlepoint became her passion later on. She was a strong Christian and a dedicated wife, mother and grandmother. Born on October 16, 1915 in Grand Rapids, Michigan to Percy and Hattie (Holman) Tatroe, Doris was the oldest of four girls. Percy and Hattie worked hard to raise Doris and her younger sisters, Letty, Mildred and Janice, on Franklin Street, in Grand Haven. Percy supported the family working as a plumber while Hattie stayed home to care for the girls and run the household. The time in which Doris grew up was idyllic for raising a family. Victorian style and manners were still in vogue and emphasis was placed on family life and care of children. Doris played with her sisters and friends and attended school in Grand Haven. She also took piano lessons, in addition to keeping up with her studies. The Tatroe family faithfully attended the Second Christian Reformed Church, instilling in Doris a firm Christian faith that served her well throughout her life. After graduating from high school, Doris met a special man named Edwin DOyly. Ed had emigrated from England and Doris was enchanted with his British accent and manners. The two started dating and fell in love, making their official by exchanging their vows on June 29, 1934. The young couple started their married life together in Grand Haven, eventually settling in a house on 160th. Over the years, Doris and Ed were blessed with the arrival of three boys and a girl, Edwin (1935), Jane (1939), Robert(1941), and Leonard(1946). As a family they attended the Second Reformed Church, where Doris became an active member. Not only did Doris care for her children and home, she also found time to teach Sunday School and lead Bible Study groups. The children were expected to be in Church every Sunday, and if the boys got in trouble, Doris would say she found out because a little bird told me! While Doris was busy with Church and the children, Edwin supported the family by working in a factory. He was also a volunteer fireman. The family could not afford many vacations, but they did manage to make a couple trips to the Upper Peninsula. There was also one memorable trip to Niagara Falls to enjoy the spectacular scenery. Staying in touch with life-long friends from high school, Doris and Ed could be found playing cards and bowling in a mixed couples league. Doris also knitted and conversed with the neighborhood ladies in the Doers Club. Being a life-long bibliophile, Doris loved the challenge of a good Scrabble game (with anyone foolish enough to challenge her)! As the children grew older, Doris sought employment outside the home, first working at the Royal Cleaners, and then at the North Ottawa Community Hospital as a medical transcriptionist. As Doris excelled in her work at the hospital, she progressed from medical records, to the lab and finally radiology, retiring from the hospital in 1979. After retirement, Doris and Ed had a chance to do the traveling that they couldnt afford to do earlier. There were trips back to England to visit relatives and trips across the United States, admiring the scenery and taking in the sights along the way. There were also several years wintering in the Florida Panhandle to get a reprieve from the long, cold Michigan winters. As Eds vision worsened with age, Doris started to do the driving, including the vacations. When Doris and Ed became grandparents, they reveled in this new role. They took the time to make each of their grandchildren feel loved and special, helping out in whatever way they were needed. Doris used her knitting talents to create gorgeous afghans for each of her grandchildren, even lovingly knitting afghans for great grandchildren yet to be born. Tragedy struck the family with the death of Ed in 2002 and the death of their only daughter, Jane, in 2008. With the support of family and friends and her firm faith in God, Doris was able to make it through these difficult times. As the years passed, Doris body began to weaken, although her mind remained as sharp as ever. Doris was a lady from a by-gone era. She put her family first, not only when she was young, but later on with her own family as well. She was a dedicated Christian who lived her life as a model, encouraging others to follow Christ. She was a faithful wife, loving mother and devoted grandmother. She will be missed by all who were blessed to know and love her. Doris R. D'Oyly, age 93, died Wednesday, May 6, 2009. Surviving are: Sons, Edwin (Betty) D'Oyly of Grand Haven, Robert (Sandra) D'Oyly of Mears, Leonard D'Oyly of Grand Haven; 11 grandchildren & 20 great grandchildren; several nieces & nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Edwin in 2002; daughter Jane Bruins in 2008 & 3 sisters. Service will be: Saturday, May 9, 2009, 11:00 AM at Second Reformed Church of Grand Haven with Rev. Mike Waugh officiating. Interment at Lake Forest Cemetery. Visitation will be held: Friday, 2-4 & 6-8 PM at Clock Life Story Funeral Home - Grand Haven. Memorial: Second Reformed Church or Hospice of North Ottawa. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book. Clock Life Story- Grand Haven