July 4, 2021
On Sunday morning, July 4, 2021,The Laturnus family lost our beautiful, feisty courageous mother to cancer. She was 93 years old. Doris, who preferred to be called Bobby, fought the battle with dignity and grace. In the end, our tiny warrior lost this fight. Bobby was barely 4'10" tall. She had a huge presence, however, and was never one to back away from confrontation or unpleasant events. She was appalled by bad manners and lack of decorum and made it a priority to address anyone who crossed the line.
Bobby was born in London, England in 1928. Her childhood was tough....very tumultuous and unpredictable. During WW2 Bobby joined the Women's Auxiliary Air Force and met Canadian Sylvester Laturnus on base in London. They were married in less than 3 months and Bobby came to Canada alone as a Warbride while Sylvester finished his deployment overseas. She made her way to Lethbridge alone, somehow, and was met by a large contingent of Laturnus in-laws, strangers still at this point, many of whom did not speak a word of English.
The stark isolation of the prairies, the harsh weather, the inability to communicate with her new family made Bobby's transition to Canada extremely difficult. She was 18 years old. True to her character Bobby adapted and many years later, she and Sylvester settled in South Surrey where they remained for 54 years.
Bobby was very active in the community, joining several service groups and volunteer activities. She volunteered at the Superfluity Shop for 35 years. Bobby and Sylvester had 4 children together: Ted, Debbie, Ken and Neil.
There are 9 grandchildren and 9 great grandchildren. Bobby was very proud of her large extended family and was a devoted mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She is predeceased by husband Sylvester (2018), grand daughter Heather Cunningham (2008) and family members in England. She is already missed so much.
Bobby's strength will always be our inspiration. A small private ceremony will be held in her honor.