Doris (Lancaster) Levitt

Doris Levitt was born in Tynemouth, Northumberland, England on Nov 14, 1922. She grew up loving the water, which is evident by the many awards and accolades she received including the Bronze and Silver Lifesaving medals from the British Royal Lifesaving Society. At a young age she became a member of the Girl Guides in England and became adept at handcraft hobbies, knitting and cross stitch, in fact entering in many craft competitions. Doris immigrated to Canada, more specifically Edmonton, Alberta in 1937 with her parents.

Doris joined the Royal Canadian Air Force (Woman's Division) in 1942 as a Medical Clerk/Stenographer and served in Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Rivers (Manitoba), and Winnipeg. She was released from the RCAF at the end of 1945, but worked for the Department of Veterans Affairs as a stenographer in Edmonton. Her military decorations include the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal, and the 1939-1945 Defence Medal. She was hugely proud of her military service.

Doris met her husband Archie Levitt in November 1945 and three months later they were married. This union lasted until Archie's death in 1998. Their first home was a renovated garage in the backyard of Doris’s parent’s house in Edmonton, which they named "Duffy's Tavern". One of her brother-in-laws once related a story that when she first married "she couldn't even boil water". She in fact became a very good cook and baker (ask any of her children).

They eventually moved to Calgary, where they raised 5 strapping boys. Through the years they also lived in Regina and Saskatoon, SK. Doris had her hands full raising five boys often times in the absence of her husband who frequently traveled for work. Raising the boys often with a firm hand, and the aid of a wooden spoon, (when needed). She however, was a very loving, caring, and kind mother.

Through the years, Doris worked many jobs as a retail clerk and medical stenographer to help make ends meet, always making sure that the boys were looked after.

Doris enjoyed fishing and camping with Archie and later with her children. She even went so far as to accompany her husband when he went to race motorcycles. Doris and Archie where members of the Active 20-30 Club for many years. Doris served as Vice-President and President of the Women’s Association of the Active 20 -30 Club.

Doris is predeceased by Archie (Feb 1998), Richard (her eldest son), and Cheryl (granddaughter). She leaves behind her sons Robert (Tracy), Darrell (Donna), John (Kay), and Lee (Patricia). As well as 10 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren.

Doris will be remembered as a loving, caring, devoted wife and mother who will be truly missed. As the RCAF Motto states: “PER ARDUA AD ASTRA”, “Through adversity to the stars". Doris has tamed her adversities; it is now time to ascend to the stars.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #284 Chapelhow (606 – 38th Avenue NE, Calgary, AB T2E 8J9) on Thursday, October 5th, 2017 from 2:00 pm to 5:00pm. In lieu of flowers we would ask that donations be sent to the “Alzheimer’s Society of Calgary” (www.alzheimercalgary.ca).


Lyrics from Doris favorite Song: What a Wonderful World, by Louis Armstrong
I see trees of green, red roses too
I see them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
I see skies of blue and clouds of white
The bright blessed day, the dark sacred night
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people going by
I see friends shaking hands saying how do you do
They're really saying I love you
I hear babies crying, I watch them grow
They'll learn much more than I'll never know
And I think to myself what a wonderful world
Yes I think to myself what a wonderful world


To view and share photos, condolences and stories of Doris please visit www.choicememorial.com. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Choice Memorial Cremation & Funeral Services (403) 277-7343.