ACKER, Doris Olava

It is with deep sorrow and much love that we mourn the passing of Doe Acker, Halifax, NS, on March 31, 2024, at the age of 92. Doe was born to Edith and Ralph Redden in Halifax, where she spent her formative years. Many enjoyable summers were spent with her younger sister on the family farm in what is now Cole Harbour or hanging out and swimming with friends on the shores of Bedford Basin, just below the family house in Rockingham. Even as a teenager, Doe was known for her love of a good party and any chance to dance. Doe graduated from Queen Elizabeth High School, and then attended Halifax Business College. After graduation Doe moved to Montreal, a city she fell in love with. She found work in Montreal, including time spent with Pratt and Whitney and CFCF Radio. Doe met her future husband, Syd, in Montreal, and they were married in 1955. Pregnant with their first child, the young family moved into their first house and quickly made lifelong friends throughout the neighbourhood. Pregnant with their third child, the family moved to Halifax in 1964, where Doe and Syd would spend the rest of their lives. Doe and Syd traveled extensively over the years, but Doe quickly developed her own active lifestyle in Halifax, including golf at Oakfield, racquetball at the Y, and long and enjoyable tennis experiences at both the Waeg and The Bubble. Rumour has it she also dabbled in downhill and cross-country skiing. In addition to being a lifelong blueberry picker, Doe was a fervent bridge player and was always up for a game. She also became quite adept at Russian Bank and Rummy 500, often making up her own rules. Doe was an excellent cook and friends always looked forward to an invitation to her table. She also always kept a supply of frozen chocolate chip cookies in the freezer for her children, regardless of their ages. After being widowed in 2006, Doe did not slow down, moving twice and taking three river cruises, including one memorable voyage with her extended family. Settling into her final apartment, Doe quickly became a fixture in the building, and could always be counted on for a bridge game. Between three and four every weekday, Doe would be found watching her favourite soap opera, to be followed by Live at 5 and Entertainment Tonight, usually accompanied by a tall rye and ginger. Weekends were usually spent at the family cottage on the South Shore. Doe is survived by her children, Stephen (Melanie Mcaleer), Shari (Grant Phillips), and Jamie (Karen Silver); her grandchildren, Kaleigh (Ryan Connery), Samantha (Graham Gregson), Jacob Morgan, Sydney (Jack Graham); and her great-grandchildren, Olivia Rose Connery, and Hallie James Graham. Doe was predeceased by her parents, Edith (Geldart) and Ralph Redden; her younger sisters, Shirley and Ola; and her husband of 51 years, Sydney Acker. As per Doe’s wishes, cremation has taken place. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.