Obituary of Doreen Phyllis Harmes

HARMES, Doreen Phyllis – Age 100, of Bridgewater, Lunenburg Co., died peacefully on August 16, 2024, at Ridgewood Assisted Living, Bridgewater. Doreen was born October 21, 1923, in Birmingham, England, to the late Albert Edward and Gladys Helena Phyllis (Steer) Ball. 

Surviving Doreen is her daughter, Wendy (Byron) Richardson, Oak Hill; son, Christopher (Barbara) Harmes, Bedford; grandchildren, Gregg Richardson, Oak Hill; Bonnie Richardson, Napean, Ont.; Matthew (Christine) Harmes, Caledonia, Ont.; Andrew (Sarah) Harmes, Toronto, Ont.; great grandchildren, Sydney Harmes, Campbell Harmes and Patrick Harmes.

Besides her parents, Doreen was predeceased by her husband, Leonard (Len) Charles Harmes; and brother, Frank McLaren.

Looking back, there is a lot to celebrate and admire over Doreen’s 100 years. As a young woman in Great Britain during World War II, Doreen joined the Women’s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF), later to be stationed in Paris shortly after its liberation. While working in the Royal Air Force’s administration offices, she met a young British airman who had just completed his operational stint flying in Lancaster Heavy Bombers (RAF). This chance meeting in Paris, of all places, eventually led to Doreen marrying Len in 1947. After some years, and two children later, Doreen and Len decided to embark on another adventure – emigrating with their young family to Canada. Early in 1955, after a weeklong voyage by passenger steamer across the Atlantic, they took up residence in St. John’s, Newfoundland. A few years later Doreen and family continued their journey to Halifax, then Bible Hill, and later to Bridgewater. The family established firm roots in Bridgewater, and soon considered the town and Nova Scotia to be home.

During her working years, Doreen was busy in several roles, eventually using her administrative skills at the Dawson Memorial Hospital in Bridgewater where she remained until her retirement.

Throughout her life, Doreen enjoyed the quiet and peaceful moments of gardening, reading, and spending time with her family. She also harboured a love of animals with her home usually occupied by at least one cat. Doreen and Len volunteered in their retirement years with the local animal shelter, spending many hours fund-raising, and creating beds and cushions for the sheltered pets. They both enjoyed these years, making good friends with kindred spirits at SHAID.

For the past 11 years Ridgewood has been Doreen's home, and her caregivers there became dear friends, always treating her with compassion and respect – for this care, Doreen’s family extends our sincere thanks and appreciation. The family especially thanks Ms. Kat Foster Crouse, Ridgewood Assisted Living and Dr. Julite D’entremont for being there whenever needed.

By request, there will be no services held at this time. No flowers please.  Donations may be made to SHAID Animal Shelter or the Nova Scotia SPCA - Lunenburg.

Arrangements entrusted to Sweeny’s Funeral Home, 35 York Street, Bridgewater, where on-line condolences may be made by visiting www.sweenysfuneralhome.com.