Obituary of Doris J. Hatt

Doris J. Hatt (Lyons) Born October 29, 1915, passed away in her 100th year on November 2, 2014, at The Ridgewood Retirement Centre in Bridgewater. She was born on Sherose Island, NS, to Dennis and Annie (McInnis) Lyons, and attended school in Barrington Passage. After graduating from Provincial Normal College in Truro, she taught school in Yarmouth and Shelburne Counties and in Halifax. During vacation, she worked in the accounting department at Eaton’s in Halifax. In 1952 she married Rev. Herbert Hatt, and they served in ministry in Nova Scotia, Quebec, and Ontario before retiring in Bridgewater. She was a devout Christian, a dedicated member of Bridgewater United Church and the UCW, and a faithful supporter of many charities. Throughout her life, she sang solos in churches, taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and served as a Girl Guide and CGIT leader. Doris enjoyed reading, travelling, gardening, rug making, leather crafting, gemstone jewelry making, stamp and coin collecting, painting, knitting, and beekeeping. She and Herbert established a small business selling honey, jewelry, and craft items. She belonged to the Canadian Honey Council, Maritime Beekeepers Association, Parrsboro Mineral and Gem Society, and the Gem and Mineral Federation of Canada. As a lifelong learner, she took courses from Acadia University in her later years and immersed herself in pursuing knowledge of various topics and languages. Her caring, generous and considerate spirit drew many friends of all ages to her. She was well-known for her sense of humour and positive outlook on life. Doris was predeceased by her husband, her parents, her sisters, Kathleen Page and Ruth Perry and brother Maurice Lyons. She is survived by her sister, Pauline Gillies, Thornhill, ON; nephews, Peter (Heather) Gillies, John Gillies, Burton (Deanna) Page, Laurie (Judy) Page, Dennis (Debbie) Page, Robert (Margaret) Hatt, Richard (Frances) Hatt, David (Betty) Hatt, Brian (Lisa) Hatt; nieces Margaret Gillies, Marianne (Gregory) Sears, and Rosalie (Stephen) McMullin and Carrie (Raymond) Walker, and many caring friends. The visitation, memorial service and reception will be held at Bridgewater United Church, 87 Hillcrest St., Bridgewater on Thursday, November 6, 2014, with Rev. David Campbell officiating. Visitation beginning at 1 p.m. with the service at 2 p.m. and reception to follow. Donations of Doris may be made to Bridgewater United Church or a charity of your choice. Heartfelt thanks to the compassionate staff at The Ridgewood Retirement Centre. Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, Bridgewater, where online condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com or to mcmullin.rosalie@gmail.com.