Doreen D. (nee Timoll) Cornelius

With great sadness and heavy hearts we announce that our beautiful mom and grandma passed away at 87 years old peacefully in her North York home. Doreen was a devoted and loving wife of 59 years to George Cornelius; cherished mother of Anthony (Julie) and Jeffrey; and affectionately called Grandma Doreen by Alyssa and Mark. She will be dearly missed by her sister Daphne and a multitude of nieces, nephews, and extended family. She was pre-deceased by her mother Retell Timoll, father Joseph Timoll, sister Enid, and brother Manley who always had a special place in her heart.

She was born and raised in Maypen, Jamaica. She attended Clarendon College and worked at the Parish Counsel. She immigrated to Canada as a young adult, met her charming husband George, and obtained her Bachelor’s degree at McMaster University. She went on to become a dedicated and celebrated educator for decades.

Doreen could make friends with anybody. People who had nothing in common all loved her - it was no accident; she cared about them first. She really cared about other people’s well-being and was sensitive to their needs and pain. Doreen was passionate about supporting many charities.

She was fiercely protective and proud of her sons. A lioness had nothing on her. She taught them so much, and she did it through her example and by creatively leading them through their own learning. She instilled in them other-centred thinking, respect for women, always to share with one another, never to hold grudges, and a love of films.

Doreen was a voracious reader and routinely dragged her sons to library - it was not optional. She loved her crosswords and puzzles and had a sharp mind. She was also very physically active - even earning the member of the month award for her remarkable workout regime at her gym in Aurora.

Doreen and George travelled all over the world, taking in all of the beauty and culture. Though her mastery in the kitchen had a rough start as a teenager, she became an outstanding cook. She was a wonderful host in her home and always sent guests home with amazing food.

Upon arriving at the retirement residence, she was quickly recruited to be on the resident counsel. She was a devoted fan of the Toronto Argonauts and, sadly, the Toronto Maple Leafs. She loved keeping up with the news and watching football, tennis, and hockey.

Doreen was a beautiful women inside and out and she is deeply missed.

In lieu of flowers, Doreen would graciously appreciate any donation to World Vision Canada or the Scott Mission. Our gratitude to staff at Amica Bayview Gardens for the grace, love and dignity shown to Mom.

Friends are welcome to join the family as we remember Doreen on Tuesday, May 23, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM & 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Thompson Funeral Home, 530 Industrial Parkway South, Aurora, ON L4G6W8. A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, May 24, 2023 at 10:00 AM at Trinity Anglican Church, 79 Victoria St, Aurora, ON L4G1R3. Cremation.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ThompsonFH-Aurora.com for the Cornelius family.