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On Sunday, November 2, 2025, in her 94th year, Doris Grace (McKenney) Hayes passed peacefully with the support of her loving family and the compassionate care of Dr. Orla MacSweeney and the Palliative Care nurses at Bluewater Health. Doris has been reunited with her loving husband Ron (1992), her parents Florence and Clarence McKenney, and siblings Edna, Margory, Clarence, Edgar, and Nora.
Born in Novar, Ontario, Doris was thrilled to leave the black flies and bears behind at age 11 to move to Mooretown, Ontario, where her family enjoyed their life living on the St. Clair River. Music, humor and love were always present in the home, and Doris was always proud to tell people that she had 4 brothers and 4 sisters. Doris met Ronald Hayes, a Liverpool lad, in 1950 at a dance in downtown Sarnia. They were soul mates and married in 1952. They lived in Sudbury, Fonthill, Niagara Falls, St. Catharines and finally settled in Sarnia to be close to Doris’s family. They enjoyed a peaceful life in Sarnia and had three children, Michael, Steven and Jennifer. After Ron’s untimely death, Doris stayed active with swimming, bridge, guiding, church, traveling, baking, visiting with friends and family. Doris was quick witted, and it was hard not to laugh until your sides hurt when she was around.
Doris leaves behind her children Mike, Steven (Louise), and Jennifer (Doug); grandchildren Jeff Hayes, Laura Casey, Erik Hayes (Chelsea), Kelly Hayes, Daniel Hayes (Mourin) and Olivia Discepolo; great-grandchildren James, Lily, Amy, Anaya, Amir, Liam, and Oliver; siblings Roger McKenney (Lila), Betty Willock, Glen McKenney (Barb) and sister-in-law Lea McKenney. Also survived by many nieces and nephews in Canada, USA and England.
A private family interment will be held at Moore Union Cemetery, Mooretown. In loving memory of Doris, always remember to be kind, think of others before yourself and keep a sense of humour. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to St. Joseph’s Hospice (cheques only at the funeral home please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.
