Kirkbride, Doris
March 20, 1932 ~ April 02, 2026
Reta (Doris) Kirkbride (nee Poirier) passed away peacefully at Afton Park Place in Sarnia on Thursday April 2, 2026, at the age of 94 Doris was born in Cornwall Ontario on March 20th, 1932, daughter of the late Albert and Evelyn Poirier (nee Leroux).
Doris is survived by her five children, Lynda (Gary) Pettit, Adele (Des) Morrow, Valerie Hickey, Carol (late John) MacMillan and Walter (Tammy) Hickey. Crazy Grandma Doris is also survived by fifteen grandchildren Mark Pettit, Stephen Pettit, Michael (Jen) Levack, David (Nicole) Levack, Kate (Andray) Alexander, Stephanie MacMillan, Courtney MacMillan, Viki Rillett-Barons Jordan Rilett, Megan Frawley, Kendra Rilett, Jacob Rilett, Joel Rilett, Taylor Rilett, Austin Thompson, 16 Great Grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter. Doris is predeceased by her husband – Doug Kirkbride in 2025 and the father of her children Walter Hickey in 2015, by sisters Beatrice (Buzzy) Taillon, Gloria (Ray) Robidoux, Bertha (Rob) Moyneur and brother Albert (Claudette) Poirier.
Doris was raised in Cornwall and moved to Sarnia with her new husband, Walter Hickey, in 1949. Her early adulthood was busy with children and homemaking. She was a “spirited” mother and laughter was abundant in the home. When the children got older, she went to work at the Drawbridge Inn, Wolfgang’s Jewellers then on to a career at Walter’s jewelry stores in numerous cities in Ontario. The “wanderlust” never abated when she returned to Sarnia in 1995 where she moved homes annually. Doris married Doug in 2007, and they moved nine times before her final move to Afton Park Place. The family would like to thank the staff at Afton Park Place for providing her comfort and care.
A celebration of life will be held this summer. Doris was a loving and caring person who lived her life unapologetically. In leu of flowers donations may be made to St. Joseph’s Hospice, Sarnia On http://www.stjosephshospice.ca
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Condolences (9)
A Guide to Death Care in Ontario
To all of Doris’s family please accept our sincere condolences! She was quite a lady…
Rest in eternal peace Doris
Love Cheryl and Lorenda
So sorry to hear the news. I so enjoyed seeing her when I was in Canada two years ago. I couldn’t get over how pretty she looked. My regards to all her family.Ann
Deeply sorry for your family’s loss. Thinking of all of you at this time.
My condolences to my dear cousins and their families. Even though it has been many years, I have fond memories of my Aunt Doris while visiting Sarnia as a child. She was so happy and vivacious! I enjoyed being around her. A good long life. May she rest in peace.
My sincere sympathy to Carol Adele Linda Valorie and Walter. Gordon and I had many wonderful and happy memories with your Mom
My deepest sympathies for the loss of Aunt Doris. I have cherished memories of her laughter and kind words during her visits with our family in Cornwall, Ontario. She now joins her beloved siblings in watching over us all.
Very sad to hear about the passing of my aunt Doris, condolences to to my cousins Lynda, Adele, Valarie, Carol and Walter. I fondly remember your mom’s visits to Cornwall, and our visits to your house in Sarnia when i was a kid. Memories of my aunt Doris will always be her kindness and outgoing spirit.
We are sorry for your loss of Doris aka Crazy Gramma Doris. She danced to her own tune and has left this life with memories you will always remember. May she rest in peace.
Sincere condolences to her family.
Ian & Caol
So sorry to hear of Aunt Doris’s passing . Condolences to the family. Always loved her free spirit and beautiful smile. RIP Aunt Doris and give Mom big hugs for me . Lynn