Obituary of Doris Horne

HORNE, (Phelan), Doris Marie - Age 86 (Oct. 15, 1927-March 15, 2014) passed away peacefully at home in Enfield, N.S. Our mother was a free spirit, optimist and a very unique person who did things in her own manner. "Seize the day", "Go out and embrace life" she used to encourage us. A woman of strong faith in the human spirit, she looked for, and usually found, the positive in everyone even when it was not apparent to others. Mom was a very gentle and caring soul and inspired us to try our very best. She was not governed by arbitrary rules or conventional wisdom and encouraged her children to think creatively. She was intimately involved in the daily lives of her children and grandchildren, delighting in our accomplishments and consoling us in times of disappointment. During her life she advocated for others, especially the mentally challenged, and helped establish one of the first group homes in the City of Halifax. Our mother was also a registered nurse specializing in mental health and geriatrics. She was passionate about painting and pursued this up to her final days, a span of close to 70 years. She received many awards, accolades and requests for her work and is displayed in national and international collections. Doris received her formative education, while attending Mount Saint Vincent Academy, and subsequently graduated from the School of Nursing at the Halifax Infirmary. Mother shared fond memories of this time in her life and the freedom and exhilaration of racing her horses across the frozen lakes from Waverly to Dartmouth. She has remained lifelong friends with classmates from both of these local halls of learning. Doris volunteered extensively. She was the president of the Canadian Association for the Mentally Challenged, a long-time member with the Catholic Woman's League and held executive and senior positions with the East Hants Fine Arts Association, Contemporary Art Association of Nova Scotia and the Atlantic Area Art Association. She was predeceased by her husband Lindon Joseph, son Daniel Joseph, brothers Leo and Harold, and son-in-law George Arnold. She is survived by her children in Enfield: Mary, Garth (Kathryn Reno), Sue Ellen (Eric Horne), Karen (Lloyd Graham), Patricia Cameron, Doris (Danny Hines) and son Matthew in British Columbia and her beloved grandchildren Victoria Marie, Jacob, Luke, Patrick, Daniel, Christine, Luke, Marc, Adam, Whitney, Andrew and Hannah. The family would like to extend our gratitude and appreciation to Dr. George Burden, the VON nurses and homecare workers, and the Palliative Care team for their compassionate and thoughtful care of our mother. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Colchester East Hants VON or Colchester East Hants Palliative Care. Visitation: Wednesday March 19th, 7:00-9:00 pm at the home of daughter Patty Cameron, 133 Hemlock Court, off the Monte Vista Rd., Enfield. Funeral service: Thursday March 20th St. Bernard's Church, Enfield 10:40 am Remembrances of Life, followed by a Mass at 11:00 am and then a reception at the Enfield Fire Hall (located next door). We encourage you to share with us any condolences, remembrances or stories of our mother's life at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com