Obituary of Doris Hilda Sansford

Doris Hilda (Pynn) Sansford
January 2, 1937 - August 14, 2024

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Doris Sansford (nee Pynn) on August 14, 2024, in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia. Doris was surrounded by her loving family and her devoted husband Alwyn, with whom she shared 70 years of marriage. She was 87 years old.

Doris, the 10th born of Hilda & Charles Pynn, was born in the small community of Raleigh on the Great Northern Peninsula of Newfoundland and Labrador on January 2nd, 1937. Her childhood was deeply rooted in nature, and she learned many talents and skills with her siblings that were unique to rural NL. At the age of 16, she moved to nearby St.Anthony, marking the beginning of a new chapter in her life. There, she would meet the dear love of her life, Alwyn Sansford, while working at E. A. Sansford General Store. Doris with her natural flair for fashion enjoyed working at the store and theater, merchandising apparel, goods and displays and assisting customers with their purchases. She also tended to the many tasks required at the Theatre, welcoming patrons excited to go to the movies or ‘pictures’; selling tickets, dispensing confectionaries and also painting the domed ceiling mirrored from the Capitol Theatre in St. John’s through the vision of who would later become her husband, Alwyn.

Doris later pursued education as a nursing assistant at Grenfell Hospital and was hired as the first Ward Clerk of the new Charles S. Curtis Memorial Hospital in St. Anthony, NL. She sincerely enjoyed her role in providing accommodations for new Doctors, medical staff and their families and the many families and children of the northern peninsula and south coast of Labrador requiring accommodation while receiving medical services.

Doris's love for her husband, Alwyn, was the cornerstone of her life. Their courtship endured nearly 70 years, filled with wondrous adventures and happy times. Together, they raised 4 beautiful children and were blessed with 14 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, whom they adored to no end. Upon retirement, they moved to Bridgewater, Nova Scotia, to spend their later years enjoying their shared hobbies, always in the constant presence of their profound love for each other.

Doris was cherished by her family, friends, and the many acquaintances she met throughout her life. She had unwavering faith in the Lord and wholeheartedly enjoyed serving others during her years with friends at the United Church Women’s Group and as one of the founding members of the Charles Curtis Memorial Hospital Auxiliary. She along with her husband Alwyn later became Elders at the United Church in Bridgewater, Nova Scotia.

Additionally, she was an enthusiastic gardener, tenderly caring for her flowers and sharing them with many. Her favorite activities included taking walks with her husband to visit her brothers, who were lighthouse keepers in her early years, volunteering, attending church, berry picking, visiting their cabin in Pistolet Bay, snowmobiling, appreciating animals in their natural environment and at the bird feeders she placed around her home, baking special treats and cooking her loved ones' favorite meals, knitting, crocheting, traveling, shopping, taking drives, entertaining friends, and most importantly, lavishing attention on her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, which brought her profound love and joy.

Doris will be lovingly remembered and cherished by her husband, Alwyn; children, Keith (Rosalie), Wade (Valerie), Cynthia, Terry (Bernadette); grandchildren, Wade’s son, Charmayne (Dave), Kristopher (Hannah), Kayla (Sean), Michael (Colleen), Matthew, Lauren (Matt), Sarah, Richard (Julia), Ian (Amber), Jessica (Jacob), Emily (Sarah), Danielle, Aidan; great-grandchildren, Makiah, RJ, Heidi, Sophie, Theodore, Margaret, Ayla, Sybil, Maxwell, Harrison, Kylan, Beau, Dawson, Bodhi; forever loved daughter-in-law, Diane Sansford and son-in-law Robert (June) Best.

Doris is predeceased by her parents, Hilda and Charles Pynn; siblings, Violet, Olive, Sybil, Phoebe, Melvin, Baxter, Wesley, Joyce, Wilfred, Dora; beloved mother and father-in-law, Mae and Ernest Sansford, and precious great-grandson, Karter.

Her family is deeply thankful and appreciative for the wonderful care and compassion provided by the many staff at Ryan Hall during the last couple of years. Our heartfelt gratitude to you all.

Cremation has taken place by request. In lieu, of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Nova Scotia. A Memorial Service for Doris will be held Wednesday, August 21, 2024, beginning at 2 p.m., in the chapel at Sweeny's Funeral Home, Bridgewater, with Rev. Neil McEwen officiating the service. For those abroad who would like to view the service for Doris, you may register to view the livestream video feed with Forget Me Not Ceremonies, by clicking the following LINK: Livestream Service. A public Reception will be held until 4 p.m., immediately following the Memorial, to share condolences and memories with the family. Arrangements have been entrusted to Sweeny's Funeral Home, Bridgewater.