Lay (nee Rhind), Doreen Elizabeth
July 18, 1936 - June 24, 2026
Doreen Elizabeth Lay, in her 90th year, passed into the loving arms of Jesus her Saviour with family by her side at Meaford LTC.
She will be missed by her loving children, Karen Beseda (Scott) Bob Lay (Jennifer) and their families. She was so proud of her grandchildren, Stephen Beseda (Tara), Vicki Matthews (Josh), Brendan Lay (Steph), Veronica Beseda (Jesse), and Elizabeth Meldrum (Spencer). Seeing her great grandchildren Julia, Jonah, Scarlett, James, Oscar, Talia, and Arthur always made her smile and brought her great joy.
She was predeceased by her son, Ken, and her husband, Ted.
Doreen was born in Winnipeg and later lived in Chauvin, Alberta and Prince George, B.C. where she finished high school and found her first job. Doreen and Ted met and married there and had their 3 children. As a young family they moved to Kamloops. In 2002 Doreen and Ted moved to Thornbury and adopted the Taylor family as their own. She became Grandma Lay to them and loved them all.
Doreen was a caring mother who spent many years employed at home and in the family businesses. She excelled at many projects at home from canning fruit to making homemade root beer that her children enjoyed. Doreen was a self-taught book keeper who was known to work tirelessly to balance books to the penny on hand written balance sheets. She was an avid family historian and spent many hours doing detailed research. Doreen was a faithful volunteer in the churches that she was a member of. In retirement years Doreen was a careful navigator when she and Ted would head south to enjoy part of the winter in their fifth wheel.
Heartfelt thanks to the community at People Care in Meaford who provided amazing care and support in the last 3 years of her life as well as the 4 years of caring for her Ted. The friendships Doreen shared with the staff meant so much to her and she spoke very warmly about your visits.
A family graveside service will be held in Kamloops, B.C. at a later date where she will be interred with Kenny and Ted.
As your expression of sympathy, donations to the Blue Mountains Community Church (Cheques Only Please) would be appreciated and may be made through the Ferguson Funeral Home, 48 Boucher St. E., Meaford, ON N4L 1B9 to whom arrangements have been entrusted. www.fergusonfuneralhomes.ca
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Bob and Jennifer, please accept our condolences. No matter how elderly, it is always hard to loss a mom. God’s blessings be on you during this difficult time.
Terry and Nancy Clyne
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Hi Bob and Jenn. So sorry to hear about Bob’s mom. She will be missed. You are in our prayers. Lori and Brian
Thursday, June 25, 2026
Dear: Padre Bob and Jenn and family, I’m so sorry for your loss of Doreen.
What a wonderful tribute of her, she certainly was a dynamic individual, someone that I very much looked up to, she was so full of kindness and joy during a difficult time for me she was so helpful.
I will always hold close the pleasant and insightful conversations we had as neighbors.
Thursday, June 25, 2026
To Rev. Bob Lay and family – Cheryl and I send our heart-felt sympathies. We know the loss of both parents, but we also know that we will be reunited with them, so we grieve with hope. We now also grieve with you in your temporary loss. It’s still hard to live with missing part of the family here on earth.
Blessings to you through Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior
Sterling & Cheryl Cooper
Friday, June 26, 2026
Bob, Jen, and family..
Such a beautiful, kind and loving family. You are all so special. I feel so privileged to have the lovely memories that I do with both Mom and Dad. Hold the memories close. Sending big big hugs to all of you xo
Friday, June 26, 2026
Dear Bob, Jennifer and family,
We were sad to hear of the passing of Doreen and pray for God’s comfort and peace during this time of loss for your families. She was such a wonderful lady to get to know and we both appreciated her.
Blessings,
Michael and Paula Allen
Friday, June 26, 2026
Bob, Jen, Karen, Scott and Families.
Sending our condolences and prayers to all in the passing of Doreen, a Mother, Grandmother and a Great Grandmother, as well as a friend to many. She certainly will be missed by all.
Saturday, June 27, 2026
Dear Bob, Jennifer and family.
We remember Doreen with gratitude as we think of our connection through the Kamloops FM church, and many wonderful times at Pine Grove Camp in Winfield.
Your Mom, and of course your Dad, we’re always an inspiration to us as faithful lay leaders in those years when we worked side by side in B.C.
Praying for your comfort and strength, as you continue to serve the Lord in light of our blessed hope.
In His Love,
Sheldon and Naida Carlson
Thursday, July 2, 2026
Dal and family,
We send you our condolences and prayers on the passing of your dear wife and mother.
May she rest in peace.
Wes and Fionnuala Sparling (St Vincent’s, Meaford)