Doris Brenda Coutts (neé Hildebrand)
The family of Doris Brenda Coutts (neé Hildebrand) is deeply saddened to announce her passing on May 23, 2023 at the age of 62.
Doris will be forever loved and cherished by her three daughters: Jennifer (Peter), Victoria (Seamus) and Kelly (Geoff), and their father Douglas. She was a beloved “Gamma” to her four granddaughters, who were the shining lights of her life: Scarlett, Audrey, Nora and Emilia. She is also survived by her loving, loyal dog Dolce. Doris will be lovingly remembered by her siblings: Manfred, Ingrid, Melvin, Darlene and Ruth. She was a favourite auntie to many nieces and nephews and also leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
She is predeceased by her father Clarence Hildebrand, her mother Emilie Hildebrand (Mauer), her brother Dennis, her mother-in-law Mildred Coutts (Law) and her father-in-law Ian Coutts.
Doris was born and raised in Edmonton and raised her own family here as well. For the past 35 years, she worked in various clerical roles at the Misericordia hospital and her kindness and humour left a meaningful impression on the staff and patients she met over her many years there. Doris attended the First Church of God (Holyrood Community Church) for over 40 years and served the church in many different roles including organizing the nursery volunteers, stocking the kitchen, teaching Sunday School, and hosting both small group bible studies and larger, rowdier youth group events. More recently, Doris discovered a love of ballroom and line dancing and golf, and made many new close friends through the many classes and outings over the years. She loved nothing more than relaxing outside on a sunny day.
A celebration and remembrance of Doris’s life will take place on Saturday, May 27 at noon at the Holyrood Community Church (9224 82 St NW). Refreshments will be served after the service. Anyone who is unable to attend can view the service via livestream by clicking this link; https://www.mattfosseyent.ca/doris-coutts/
The family thanks the many kind doctors and staff members at the Cross Cancer Institute, Optimum Wellness Integrated Clinic, Sturgeon Community Hospital and Foyer Lacombe Hospice who cared for Doris throughout her journey.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Craig’s Cause Pancreatic Cancer Society.
Doris was an exceptional woman, and she did an incredible job raising strong and brave daughters that are now raising their own children to be just as amazing. Her strength and courage has undoubtedly had a ripple effect on the lives around her. My dear friend Kelly and her sisters are a testament to the incredible job that she did in raising them to be strong independent women.
My partner Andre and I hope that in time, the memories of the love, laughter, and joy that Doris brought to your lives will bring you comfort.
Sending you all love and strength,
Our heartfelt condolences to you, Jen and family, during this difficult time of loss. May God grant you the strength to endure and the peace that can be found in the blessed memories you shared with your Mom. Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
My sincerest condolences to Doris’s family. Although I have never met Doris in person, we communicated often through email & phone over the last year. She was such a sweet & caring lady. She gave me so much support & advice during my own mother’s difficult battle with cancer. Thank you Doris for being so gracious & kind. May your beautiful light continue to always shine!
Praying for comfort and peace for all of you for this Saturday, and as you go through the days and months ahead. You will miss your Mom, and Grandma for the girls, but have lots of wonderful memories, and they will keep you going. God bless you all. Marj (Carolyn’s sister)
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I worked with Doris at the Misericordia … bought lots of Avon stuff through her too! Her laugh was always easy and her smile bright. She will be greatly missed.
My sincere condolences to your family. I didnt know her very well but I remember her soft spoken kindness and warm smile!
My thoughts and prayers are with you all today. Doris was very proud of her beautiful daughters and grandchildren. She will be missed by all.
Love and God bless!
Dear Jen
Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Sending you a big comforting Hug!
Juanita
Sorry for your loss, Coutts family. Doris was such a delight and her smile was contagious. She will be missed. What an example she was to all!
We are so sorry to hear of Doris’ passing. Sending love and hugs to the family.
I’m so sorry to hear of Doris’ passing. I had the privilege of knowing her through ballroom, swing and country dancing, and I Iooked after her 2 little dogs when she was away, Kadie a min pin (who would have been at the Rainbow Bridge meeting her – such a happy moment:) and Dolce, a bichon, who is still here. My condolences to her family, and sweet little Dolce. How she will miss her! Sending love and a big hug to all.
Doris was one of the first people I met when I started dancing. She was a rare soul
– endlessly generous and friendly. I will always remember her warmth, kindness and the tins of wonderful homemade treats she handed out on holidays. I will miss her.
Our heartfelt condolences to your family. I have fond memories of Doris when we taught Sunday school together. She was so quiet and gentle with the kids but always patient and quick with a smile. She was always very helpful and had a strong faith even through her battle with cancer. I admired her strength! I hope it helps to know others care and miss her as well.
I am completely shocked to hear of Doris’ passing, as I have just heard the news. It is with profound sadness that I relate my memories of Doris here. I had the privilege of being one of Doris’ ballroom dance teachers for a good 2+ years in succession. Doris attended classes on a regular weekly basis with me and she was a delight to have in our group. Many a Friday night dance she attended at the studio as well. She always had a ready smile with a twinkle in her eye, and a distinct giggle when she found something funny.
Due to the recent worldwide pandemic many of our regular students were not seen at the studio as often and I had not seen Doris much in the recent few previous years. However, I did get to see Doris once in the last 12 months at a Friday night dance she attended. We only had a chance for a quick “Hello” at the time, but I was very happy to see her. I wish I had more time to talk with her at that impromptu meeting.
To Doris’ family and close friends I send my sincere condolences and the assurance that Doris made a very positive impact on my life and those of us in the dance-world that had the opportunity to spend time with her.
To Doris I say, “I will miss your smile, your giggles, the twinkle in your eye and your mischievous nature. You brought a lot of joy to the classes and dances you attended, and I had high regard for you. You were a lovely dancer and a lovely person. Gracious, graceful, and kind.”