Doris Staples

Doris Staples

1930 - 2025

In the early morning hours of October 17, 2025, Doris Staples (nee Strilaeff), wife of the late Derwyn (Dag) Staples of Thunderhill/Benito passed away at the Benito Health Centre at the age of 95.

Mom became a resident of the Benito Health Centre in 2018 due to her failing short-term memory. She made many miles walking up and down the hallways, checking room-to room (doing her nursing rounds the staff would say), joining in on activities and relaxing in the TV lounge. Never far from her reach was her cat “Kitty” who rode those many miles on her walker keeping her company.

Doris was born on January 27, 1930, to John & Tina Strilaeff  in the RM of Livingston, SK, where she grew up on the family farm with her two sisters & one brother. She attended Thunderbird school and then boarded in Kamsack, SK to complete her high school education obtaining her Grade 12 in 1949. In 1953, Mom graduated as a Registered Nurse from the Winnipeg General Hospital School of Nursing.

Mom began her nursing career heading out west to Vancouver with a few classmates where she was employed at the Vancouver General Hospital. She then made her way back to Manitoba to take up a position in Ethelbert. From there she worked at the Benito Hospital, moved onto Swan River Public Health and finally to Swan River Homecare where she decided to retire at the age of 64 with a 41-year Nursing career.

On October 25, 1956, Doris married Derwyn Staples and shared 61 years together. They raised 3 children, Robert, Daren and Marlene and were blessed with 8 grandchildren (including triplets), one great grandchild & a 2nd great grandchild due at the time of her passing.

It appeared that Mom could accomplish almost anything. She was a self taught seamtress (with the help of our neighbour Elsie Emmond), a beautiful baker and an excellent cook. She tackled countless DYI projects in the house over the years. Her passion became her yard, flowers and flower beds galore.  A vegetable garden of huge proportions which reflected on the shelves in the basement that were jammed packed with jars of canning, fruits of every kind, homemade crab apple juice, tomatoes, beans and pickles. As well, canned chicken and sucker salmon. She kept the many deep freezers full of homemade bread and buns, pies and perogies, soups, vegetables and of course everyone’s favourite Periski (sweet tarts). The root cellar was packed with potatoes.

She was involved in numerous committees/organizations: United Church Women, Eastern Star, Women’s Institute (WI), Horticultural organization, 4-H, and Benito Rink committees, and helped out whenever needed. She became an enthusiastic curler and was a talented baseball player in her younger years.

Mom loved to travel. With her sister Laura and their mom, they travelled to Russia to visit family and tour the Leningrad area. She toured Cuba with Laura; explored the Hawaiian Islands with Dad and his brother Don & wife; attended the 1967 Expo in Montreal with friends Tiny & Mary Harness; joined a bus tour to Minneapolis where Mom & Dad attended a couple of Blue Jays games; also included were bus tours to Brandson, Missouri and a bus tour to the Maritimes & Newfoundland. Camping at Madge Lake and fishing trips north were an annual summer pastime.

Doris is survived by her children Robert (Brenda) Staples and their children Mandy, Chelsey (Jeff Fisher) Lennon & baby; Daren (Deanna) Staples and their children, Branden, Tanner, Ireland (Riley Grusing), McKenna; Marlene Staples and her children, Drew, Sydney (Johnny Trach). She is also survived by her sister Mary (late Alex) Nichvolodov, sister-in-law Ronalea Greig (late Murray), brother-in-law Vernon Cooke (late Arlyn), sister-in-law Peggy (Les) Leskewich, sister-in-law Beth (late Dr Laurie) Dunbar, as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents John & Tina Strilaeff, in laws Harold & Ora Staples, sister Laura & Peter Veregin, brother Alex & Doreen Striaeff.

If friends so desire, memorial donations in memory of Doris may be made to Benito Recreation Centre Box 187 Benito, MB R0L 0C0.