Obituary of Doris Elizabeth Hughes
Doris E Hughes, 55, of Dayspring Nova Scotia passed away after a brief illness on March 22, 2022 at Riverview Enhanced Living. Doris was the daughter of the late Lester and Frances "Betty" Hughes of New Ross.
Doris, having been born blind and deaf, began living at Riverview Enhanced Living in June 1985 where she was fortunate to receive the special care from the loving staff of the Tri View Unit. Having resided there for almost 37 years, these individuals became her family. Through staff dedication and support, Doris thrived on routine and loved going for a car ride with the wind blowing in her hair. These drives would end up at the beach where the wind blew in her face and she could smell the salt sea air. Sometimes the drive involved a ferry ride across the Lahave River and others, it was simply dedicated staff who just drove her around the parking lot or took time to blow dry her hair. Another love that Doris had was spending time outdoors whether that be walking the trails with staff or around Riverview, which was followed by a hot beverage.
As a young child, living at her New Ross family home, Doris, affectionately called “Dody” by her sister, found her main love to be outside swinging which she would enjoy for many hours in the sunshine. She proceeded to know you by her extremely sensitive sense of touch and smell. She quickly could communicate her likes, dislikes and wants in her own special ways. Despite her disability, Doris learned to dress herself, feed herself, brush her teeth, and ambulate unassisted as she was a very determined individual from a young age.
Doris is survived by her sister, Monica Hughes McVicker of Lumberton, NC, USA; brother, John Lester Barrie (Cyndy) of Collingwood ON; nieces, Kayla Barrie of Collingwood, ON; Sarah McVicker of Phoenix, Arizona, USA; and nephew, Daniel McVicker of Lumberton, NC, USA; numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.
A graveside service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations for a Wheelchair Accessible Swing for residents to enjoy swinging as much as Doris did, can be sent by cash, e-transfer (donations@ourriverview.com with a special notation “In Memory of Doris Hughes”) or cheque, and mailed to Riverview Enhanced Living, PO Box 270, Bridgewater, NS B4V 2W9. Arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home New Ross Funeral Chapel, 4935 Hwy #12, New Ross, B0J 2M0 (902-689-2961).
She was a very special little lady – unique in so many ways. A valuable lesson to be learned from Doris, handicapped individuals should be given every opportunity of fulfilling themselves in this world and sometimes they require special attention and special opportunities which a normal individual doesn’t require because they have all their six senses.
