Prouse, Doris Shau Ping
November 6, 1949 – January 24, 2019
It is with great sadness that we announce Doris’ passing at the age 69. After a short and brave battle with cancer, she departed on Thursday January 24th, at Rouge Valley Centenary hospital. She will be deeply missed by her beloved husband Bob of 34 years and her loving children Philip (Sarah) and Michael (Diana). She was also the cherished Ma Ma (grandmother) of London, Ethan, Layla, and Amelia.
Doris was one of six children of William Cham Kuen Chow and Alice Bick Wun Ng. She had five siblings: Ellen, Raymond, Clement, Christina and Genevieve.
At the age of 23, Doris, along with her brother Clement, came from Sandakan, Malaysia to Toronto, Canada. After attending university, she pursued a number of careers including modelling, and customer service. At one point she owned and ran a high-end fashion boutique called Fascination. The store was located at Yonge & Gerrard, which was on the same corner as the TD Bank her future husband Bob worked at. When they met, it was love at first sight. They built a life together in Toronto, got married, and welcomed their sons, Philip and Michael, who brought them so much joy.
She dearly loved her brothers and sisters, making trips to back to Malaysia to visit those still living there, and always attending family gatherings with those in Toronto. She also liked to keep in touch with a close-knit group of friends she had growing up, lovingly nick-named the “blockheads”. Over the years they would travel to visit one another.
Doris loved people. She was outgoing, friendly, and kind—she always lit up a room. She was well liked by everyone she encountered, so transitioning into a career in customer service was a natural fit. She worked in the banking industry and later in automotive.
Throughout her life, Doris always maintained her Chinese heritage and culture, incorporating celebrations and traditions throughout the year. Doris had a love of travel, which she instilled in her family. She travelled all over the world, giving her family exposure to many cultures and unique experiences.
Doris was a most generous person. A cheerleader. She constantly thought of others first and loved her family, friends and community fiercely. As a deeply religious woman, she attended mass at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church for over 30 years. Her spiritual beliefs contributed to her strong family values and gave her a source of strength. She was always present for her family—always making personal sacrifices to support her children and grandchildren whenever she could. She never needed to be asked for help, she would always offer it.
During her retirement, she gave all her time and efforts to her family, providing full time care for her grandchildren. She helped build a strong foundation for them—part of her, and those core-values, will carry on within them.
Even when diagnosed with cancer, Doris chose to see the positive. She had lived a full and wonderful life, filled with travel, friends and most importantly to her, a family that she nurtured and cared for with all her heart and soul. She left her mark on the world, and on the people whose lives she touched. A bright light has been taken from the world, Doris will be deeply missed, but will live on in our hearts. She will be with us, always.
Family and friends will be received at St. Joseph’s Parish, 200 Morrish Rd, Scarborough, 416-282-0370 on Thursday, January 31, 2019 at 11 a.m. A cremation and interment will be held at a later date.
Please consider donating to Sunnybrook Odette Cancer Centre in Doris’s memory. She was well cared for by the doctors and staff there. Doris' daughter in law, Sarah Prouse will be riding in The 2019 Ride to Conquer Cancer in Honour of Doris. Donations can be made at https://secure.conquercancer.ca/site/TR/Ride/Toronto2019?px=3056456&pg=personal&fr_id=1692