Doris Abram

ABRAM, DORIS - (Nee Retkwa) - Passed away quietly after a short illness on Saturday, September 1, 2012, at Hamilton General Hospital, in her 71st year, surrounded by her loving family. Predeceased by first husband Richard Zimolezynski (1999); second husband Mike Abram (2003); parents Alex and Stella Retkwa; siblings Lucy and twins Mary Anne and Daniel.

Doris will be sadly missed by daughters Becky Douglas (Larry), London, Shari Blahitka, Brantford, sister Diane Martyniuk (Ed – shvager), brother Don Retkwa (Wendy) both of Brantford; daughter-in-law Cheryl Abram, Brantford. Baba to Christian Douglas, London; grandmother to Jessica and Matthew Abram, Brantford. Ciocia to Megan Retkwa, Brantford.

She is also survived by family in Ukraine, New Jersey, British Columbia, Manitoba, Montreal, and Alberta. Doris was born in 1942 at St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg, Manitoba. She moved with her family to Hamilton, Ontario in 1945 and to Brantford in 1947. Doris has been a member of St. John’s Ukrainian Catholic Church since 1947. She was an active member of the Ukrainian Catholic Women’s League for many years. Doris worked for London Psychiatric Hospital, Children’s Psychiatric Research Institute, London, and Hamilton Psychiatric Hospital.

She was actively involved on the Residents Council and Food Council at St. Joseph’s Lifecare Centre, Brantford, where she made some lovely friends. Family and friends will be received at Thorpe Brothers Funeral Home, 96 West Street, Brantford, on Tuesday, September 4, 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Panakhyda Tuesday, at 7:30 p.m. Divine Liturgy will be celebrated at the Ukrainian Catholic Church of St. John the Baptist, 110 Terrace Hill Street, Wednesday, September 5, 10 a.m. Celebrant Father Stepan Didur. Interment St. Joseph’s Cemetery. Donations to your favourite charity would be greatly appreciated. The family expresses their sincere appreciation to the staff of ICU East, Hamilton General Hospital, for their compassion and exceptional care given to Doris.

Doris, you are an inspiration to us. No matter what happened, you managed to find something positive in the situation and carried on with life as best you could. We’ll always remember your sunny smile and easy laughter. Miss you always.

Online condolence may be made at www.thorpebrothersfh.com.