Obituary of Doris Rae Brownlee

Doris Rae Brownlee

It is with great sadness that the family of Doris Rae Brownlee (Simms) announces her sudden passing at the North Bay Regional Health Centre on Wednesday December 23^rd at the age of 83 years with husband Bill and daughter Bonnie Rae by her side.

Born in Englehart, Ontario on June 21^st, 1937, Doris Rae graduated from North Bay Teacher’s College in 1958 and taught in Shumaker, Vankleek Hill, Deep River and North Bay.  She married Bill Brownlee on June 29^th, 1959 and they had two loving daughters, Bonnie Rae and Tammy.  They made North Bay their home in 1969.

Doris Rae was an active member of Trinity United Church and served on the Board as Secretary, Chair, and on various committees through the years.  She was heavily involved in the United Church Women (UCW) as Chair, Secretary, and Treasurer and served as recording secretary of the United Church Manitou Conference for many years.  She was also a member of the North Bay and District Canadian Club and served on the executive as both Secretary and Chair.

Doris Rae was a loving wife and mother who enjoyed spending time with her family.  She is survived and will be forever remembered by her husband Bill, daughters Bonnie Rae Bailey (Grant) and Tammy Brownlee, Grandson Douglas Bailey, and nieces Carla Drury and Nancy Simms.  Doris Rae was predeceased by her parents Albert and Eunice Simms, and siblings Eddy Simms, Marjorie Kleven, and Boyd Simms.

Due to the current Covid 19 Pandemic restrictions a private family service was held in the Martyn Funeral Home Chapel. Spring interment to be in North Bay Union Cemetery. When conditions permit larger gatherings a memorial service to celebrate her life will be held in Trinity United Church.  If you would like to honor Doris Rae with a memorial donation, please consider Trinity United Church or the North Bay Regional Health Center Foundation.  Online condolences may be left at www.martynfh.com