Long time retired nurse Doris Lawrence of Swedish decent was born in Aylsham, Saskatchewan in the year of 1926. Doris and husband Alex came to Prince George in the year of 1951. Alex worked for Industrial Equipment and Supplies and passed away in 2002.
Doris graduated from her nurses training in 1947 from St. Paul's Hospital in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan and went on to work at the hospital in Nipawin, Saskatchewan for the next three years. She then worked as a nurse here in Prince George until her retirement in 1992. Doris who is now 87 years old says, "I mainly worked the night shift in maternity, obstetrics and the nursery while we were raising our daughter and our three sons. It was a busy time for all of us and it was also the best years of our lives. Sometimes it seems like just a few years ago but I have been retired now for 22 years. I retired at the age of 65 even though I didn't feel old enough to retire. Heavens, I don't even feel like I am actually 87. I have been very fortunate with my health and I am blessed with a great family and many good friends. "
"I have seen so many changes in Prince George these past many years of my life. I have to say that the changes have all been good. At first we lived in a very small house by the slough and later we moved to the VLA area of town. We had good neighbors, everyone was friendly and we all helped one another. If I remember correctly, the area that is now a small dredged out slough used to extend all the way to where the Parkwood Mall now stands and it even extended to the City Hall area. We used to shop for groceries in a small Chinese store that was kitty corner to where City Hall now stands and near where Morrison Men's Wear used to be."
Doris and other family members recently returned from a trip to Stockholm, Sweden. The trip back to the home country was mainly to renew acquaintances with family and friends. Since the trip to Sweden she took another trip and went to Arizona to see more family and to enjoy their great weather.
Doris said, "I gave up my drivers license a few years ago and that has proven to be a real hardship for me. The positive side of it is the fact that the walking is good for me. My immediate families all live on the lower mainland and they constantly urge me to move to the coast but so far I am still here."
Doris has done volunteer work of all sorts and in all aspects of her life. She has been a dedicated member of the Order of the Eastern Star for the past 64 years. Doris says, "Life is great so don't let it pass you by. Join a group or a senior centre or get involved at your church. Live each and every day to its fullest. If you aren't happy get happy and then stay happy."
Dianne Parnell writes: "The Prince George Seniors' Curling Club voted to donate $100 to each Prince George team that qualified for a Provincial event. On March 6th ten cheques were presented to the following teams: Two juvenile teams, one high school, two ladies', one man's, a masters, a doubles, a wheelchair, and a blind curling team. The club is always looking for seniors interested in curling; for more information phone Dianne Parnell at 250-563-9444."
