Mrs. Helen McKinnon Doan

SEPTEMBER 8, 1911 – APRIL 18, 2024

Sadly passed away on April 18th, 2024, after a lengthy stay in hospital.

At the time of her death, Helen Doan Sr. was 112 years and seven months old and had been validated as the oldest living person in Canada.

Helen Doan Sr. was born September 18th, 1911, in Temiskaming Mine in Northern Ontario.

She moved to New Liskeard when she was two years old and lived there for ten years. Her family then moved to Toronto, where she met her beloved husband, the late Harold Alfred Doan.

They were married in 1935 and had two children, Harry John Doan (Shirley June) and Helen McKinnon Doan Jr. (aka Honey).

Helen Doan Sr. was blessed with grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren she loved deeply. She was predeceased by her parents, John and Henrietta Donaldson and her sister, Henrietta Briggs (Ted).

Helen Doan Sr. worked as a bookkeeper and an office manager until she retired. During her long life, she witnessed incredible developments: The invention of cars, planes, television, the first walk on the moon, computers and many technological, social and medical advancements.

She was astute in observing the dynamics of life, and she made an effort to keep up with continued developments and the nuances of emergent technologies.

Helen Doan Sr. got her first iPad in her 90s and was often seen enjoying playing Sudoko until the diminishment of her eyesight.

Helen Doan Sr. was described by anyone who met her as an inspiration. She was known, loved and respected for her gentleness of character, her charm, her concern and caring of others, her humility, her interest in life, her keen intelligence, her loving heart, her sharp wit, her contagious laughter, her deep well of knowledge, her genuine kindness, her words of wisdom, her magical stories and delightful storytelling and her dignity.

Helen McKinnon Doan Sr. was one of a kind, and she will be deeply missed.

On April 29th, 2024, family and friends will gather at the KANE-JERRETT FUNERAL HOMES, 6191 Yonge Street, North York, to say farewell and celebrate the remarkable life of Helen Doan Sr.

May her soul be bound in the bonds of eternal life, and may she rest in divine peace.

Donations will be accepted for the People for Education Charity. https://peopleforeducation.ca

Donations may also be made to the Romemu Chesed (Loving-kindness) Fund. https://romemu.shulcloud.com/payment.php .