Obituary of Doris Hilda Low

DORIS HILDA LOW

December 8, 1923 –

February 4, 2023

Doris passed away peacefully, with her loved ones at her side, at her home in Toronto. She was predeceased by her parents, Harry Chambers Low and Hilda Peckham as well as her stepmother, Victoria. Doris leaves behind many dear family members in Halifax as well as her adopted family and many friends in Toronto where she spent the majority of her adult life.

Doris spent her childhood in Halifax and graduated with a B.Comm from Dalhousie University in 1943. She worked in audit and bookkeeping roles in Halifax and then Toronto for the next ten years before concluding that “accounting was a dull profession” and she no longer wanted to become a CA. Always ready for an adventure, Doris then moved to London, England for the next year, where she and a friend worked as stenographers. She returned to Halifax but, unable to find a good job, decided to move back to Toronto in 1955 where she worked as a bookkeeper for the next two years.

Doris finally found her calling in 1956 when she began teaching at Danforth Tech, where she taught English, French and Typing for the next seven years. She then took a paid leave to pursue her Librarian’s degree. She returned to Danforth Tech and was able to share her passion for reading as the librarian until her retirement in 1985.

Retirement did not slow Doris down. She had become a certified Braille transcriber in 1973, which enabled her to continue sharing her love of literature. Doris was an active and dedicated member of the group of women who referred to themselves as “the Braille Broads” at CNIB for over 40 years. She also worked in the CNIB recording studio, reading books on tape. The only downside, she said, was that she was often assigned the “less than scintillating task” of recording economic books due to her business background. Never one to be deterred by a set-back, when Doris was no longer able to transcribe, she began proofreading print/braille books and was formally recognized by the CNIB as a dedicated volunteer in 2014.

Doris pursued many other interests and hobbies. She was active at her churches and sang in their choirs. She enjoyed playing golf, tennis, lawn bowling and curling even though she said she “wasn’t great at any of them”. She also loved a good joke, even if it was a bit racy, as long as it made you think. Doris had a great sense of adventure, loved the outdoors and had many fond memories of her time at the family cottage at Lion’s Head on Georgian Bay. Doris also enjoyed many great adventures which took her around the world. 

Doris had a special love for cats, especially her beloved Raiya. Doris often said Raiya was “the greatest joy and as close as any human” could be. She brought Doris much joy and comfort in her final years.

A Celebration of Life, followed by a reception, will be held at the Humphrey Funeral Home A.W. Miles – Newbigging Chapel, 1403 Bayview Avenue on Tuesday, February 14 at 12:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, if desired, donations may be made to the Print/Braille program at CNIB. Condolences may be forwarded through www.humphreymiles.com.

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