Doris Isabelle Daniels (Allen), affectionately known as Do, peacefully passed away on January 22, 2023, at the Hannah Dustin nursing home in Haverhill, MA, at the age of 95. Born on April 29, 1927, in Burtts Corner, New Brunswick, Canada, she was the daughter of Kathleen and Fred Allen. Her father, Fred, dedicated his career to the Canadian Pacific Railway as a station master, leading Doris to experience life in various towns across western New Brunswick during her early childhood. Eventually, the family, including her older brother Eric, settled in St. Stephen, New Brunswick, where Doris completed her grade school and high school education.
Driven by a passion for care and service, Doris pursued her nursing degree at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. Her time at Acadia was marked not only by academic achievement but also by her athletic prowess on the women’s basketball team. Following her graduation, Doris expanded her professional horizons by moving to Montreal. There, she gained valuable experience at the prestigious Royal Victoria Hospital and specialized further with advanced training in obstetrics, demonstrating her commitment to women’s health.
New York City beckoned next, and Doris embraced the opportunity to work as a nurse in the OB-GYN department at Mount Sinai Hospital. Her dedication and skill led to a promotion to a supervisory position in OB-GYN nursing at North Shore Hospital in Manhasset, NY. It was at North Shore Hospital that her life took a beautiful turn when she met John H. Daniels Jr., then an Assistant Hospital Administrator. Their connection blossomed, and they married in 1957, establishing their first home in Port Washington, NY. Their family grew with the arrival of two sons, Bruce Scot and John Eric (Rick), filling their lives with joy and purpose. In 1965, a new chapter began as the family relocated to Little Silver, New Jersey, following John H.’s appointment as Hospital Administrator at Riverview Hospital in Red Bank.
Tragedy struck in 1968 when John H. Daniels Jr. passed away, leaving Doris a widow after only ten years of marriage. From that moment forward, Doris channeled her strength and love into raising her two sons, dedicating herself to providing them with a nurturing and supportive home. Her resilience and unwavering commitment to her family became the defining focus of her life.
Beyond her professional and family life, Doris enjoyed an active social life. She was an enthusiastic tennis player and an active member of the garden club, finding pleasure in both sport and nature. Summer days spent at the beach in Sea Bright were cherished moments of relaxation and fun. Doris also had a creative side, expressing herself through needlepoint. Many evenings were spent with needle and thread, meticulously crafting designs, occasionally punctuated by good-natured frustration when a stitch didn’t meet her expectations. Her Canadian heritage remained a significant part of her identity. Each summer, she embarked on a memorable road trip from Little Silver to St. Stephen with her sons and their dog, Booby, to spend time with her father, Fred. She took pride in her Canadian roots, always pointing out the Canadian Maple Leaf or Union Jack flags. A keen interest in the British Royal Family also earned her the affectionate nickname “The Queen,” as she eagerly followed royal news and publications. In 2001, Doris moved to Exeter, NH, to be closer to her sons and their growing families, embracing her role as a grandmother.
Doris was predeceased by her husband, John H., her parents, and her brother Eric and his wife Polly. She is lovingly remembered by her son Bruce, his wife Beth, and their sons John (and his wife Allie), Jeff (and his wife Hannah), and Mark; her son Rick, his wife Joyce, and their sons Matthew (and his wife Kayla) and Christopher; and her nephew Brian Allen and his wife Nancy of Barrie, Ontario.
Mom, Grammy Do, and a cherished friend to many, Doris Daniels leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love and devotion. Her memory will be treasured forever by all who knew her, until we meet again.
For those wishing to pay their respects, calling hours will be held on Friday, January 27, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Carrier Funeral Home, located at 38 Range Road, Windham, NH. A private interment will take place at the Old Tennent Cemetery in Manalapan, New Jersey, providing a final resting place close to where she built her family life.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made in Doris’s name to the American Cancer Society or to a charity of one’s choice, reflecting her compassionate spirit and desire to support meaningful causes. The arrangements are under the care of [Consider adding: Daniels Family Funeral Home, or similar phrasing here, if appropriate for SEO and natural flow, even if Carrier Funeral Home is the actual location for services].
