Obituary of Doris Tupper

Tupper: Doris Florine. Passed away March 27, 2005 at the age of 80. She leaves to mourn: her children Doug Tupper, Debbie Cox and husband Kelly, Norman Tupper. And her grandchildren: Bill and Ed Shaw, Trevor Shaw; Stacie, Sheena, Skyler, and Sarrah Tupper; Miranda Franklin and husband Byron; Tanya and Kristen Cox, great grandchildren Kaitlyn and Julie Franklin. One sister Betty Forry of Prince George. She was predeceased by husband Joseph Tupper, two sons Wesley and Gordon Shaw and a sister Jean Little. Eulogy Mom was born May 21, 1924 in Clive to Marion and Ida Hudkins. They moved around a lot when she was young with her dad taking any jobs that were available. She started school in Erskine where she took grades one and two. It was the height of the depression and times were hard. When mom and Jean were six and eight they borrowed a wagon from a friend and taking some gopher traps and snare wire they set out to make any money they could. There was a fox farm close to town and they received 5 cents per gopher. With a wagon load of gophers they could purchase 5 pounds of sugar a pound of butter and some bologna as well as the occasional ice cream cone. During the war years mom wanted to be a nurse but a heart murmur meant that she was ineligible. This did not stop her from serving instead she worked in the kitchen at the Colonel Beltcher Hospital in Calgary preparing meals for those returning from the front lines. She remembered well the celebrations surrounding the wars end. While working at the Colonel Beltcher she met and married a soldier, Leonard Shaw. They had two children Wesley and Gordon before divorcing nine years later. Mom met dad in response to an ad for a housekeeper. They married three years later on December 2, 1954. The following years were a mixture of hard times and simple pleasures. Numerous trips to Whitney and Laurier lakes with the boat tied to the top of the car at times holding the boat by hand because the rope had broken and there were just a few more miles to go. Just in case the fish refused to bite there was always fried chicken and upside down cake. Rarely did you see mom without dad and vise versa. They did almost everything together including trips to Hawaii, Florida, and many other destinations in between. We used to tease that in order to come for a visit we would have to first make an appointment. Mom was highly involved in the activities of her children. For example when Debbie skated mom coached. When Doug and Norm were in Cubs mom was there also as a Cub leader. She had numerous interests including writing; short stories, poems, as well as songs. She was an avid rock and fossil collector; many school classes benefitted from this when she imparted her knowledge either with them coming to her or she would go to the school. Mom also enjoyed painting, botany, paleontology, ornithology, and collecting antiques of all varieties from dolls to furniture. Mom always loved sports. Doug remembers years ago during the Olympics wondering out loud “who on earth would watch 8 hours of sports.” Both mom and dad looked at him and stated “we would.” She loved curling and earned a lifetime membership in the Marwayne Curling Club. When she was not curling with her friends or relatives she was watching it on television. In later years she enjoyed floor curling. We received a fax stating: “I understand that Doris was a great fan of curling. I would just like to say thanks to Doris for all the years of cheering. For it is devoted fans like her that have made the sport what it is today. Keep up the cheering from above.: Signed Kevin Martin In later years Mom loved to watch the grandkids. Whether it was hockey, soccer, volleyball, or badminton, whatever they played she watched. Sometimes she could not remember all the rules or who won, but that never mattered, Grandma was there to watch. The funeral service was held at the Alliance Church in Marwayne on March 30 officiated by Pastor Garth Witzke and Pastor Eric Persson Organist was Sandra Kneen, with Shelly Johnson singing Wind Beneath My Wings. Interment followed at the Marwayne Cemetery. Special thanks go to the nursing staff at the Lloydminster Hospital, and McCaw Funeral Home. Doug & Family Debbie & Kelly and Family Norm Billy Shaw Eddy ShawDonations may be made to The Canadian Cancer Society or to a charity of the donors choice.