With heavy hearts, the family announces the passing of Doris Eugene Cruickshank which occurred at the Saint John Regional Hospital on March 11, 2026, at the age of 81, just a few days short of her 82nd birthday.
Born in Sussex on March 15, 1944, she was the daughter of the late George and Hazel (Almon) Gregg.
In her younger years, Doris attended school in Havelock where she would meet Arthur Cruickshank, not knowing till later just how important that classmate would be.
Doris attended business school in Moncton and shortly afterward moved to Ontario, where she began her first career working in office positions. She would proudly tell you she became the fastest typist there. While in Ontario, she reconnected with and old classmate - the man who would become the love of her life, Arthur “Art” Cruickshank, and the two were married on August 7, 1964.
In the 1970s, they moved back to New Brunswick with their three boys, Lyle, Blynn, and Dana. Soon after, they welcomed their only daughter, Stephanie, completing their family.
They built their first home in Midland, New Brunswick, and it was there that Doris began welcoming seniors into their home, establishing Whispering Winds Special Care Home.
Years later, she and Art built another home to make more room for residents. Caring for seniors became Doris’s life. Even after Whispering Winds closed, she continued to look after seniors, whether in her home or theirs.
Doris loved to travel and visit friends, and shopping was one of her favourite hobbies—especially browsing thrift stores. She would shop until she found what she thought was a great bargain, even if she didn’t really need it.
She always liked to have a new project on the go for Art, and he would most often oblige—although there may have “the look” involved.
They shared many wonderful years together, and Doris missed him dearly after his passing.
Her absolute favourite pastime, however, was cooking. Doris loved to bake, prepare meals, and make lovely sweets for her family and friends. If you were invited for a special dinner, you could be sure the fancy dishes would come out of the china cabinet. If you dropped in unexpectedly, chances were you would find her in the kitchen.
Unfortunately, due to declining health, she was unable to do much cooking over the past year, though she would still try whenever she felt she could.
During her last few weeks, she may not have had the ability to express herself, but everyone knew she loved them deeply and treasured every moment she was able to spend with her family.
Doris will be missed by many, but her family takes comfort in knowing her suffering has ended and that she is now with her Lord and Saviour, where she longed to be. She was a faithful member of Abundant Life Church and held firmly to her faith in God until her final breath.
She will live on in the hearts of her children: Lyle Cruickshank of Surrey, BC, Blynn Cruickshank (Annette) of Apohaqui, NB, Dana Cruickshank of Sussex, NB and Stephanie Cruickshank (Jason) of Saint John, NB; her grandchildren: Cole Cruickshank, Candace McLean, Carter Cruickshank (Rachel), Cody Cruickshank, Hannah Cruickshank, Bronwyn Cruickshank, Jessie McLean (Jason), Cortney McLean (Cory), and Emily LaKing; and her great-grandchildren: James Cruickshank, John Cruickshank, and Samson Vincent.
She is survived as well by her sisters: Beatrice Obermeier, Sharon Boyd (Larry), and Sheila Bozic her brothers-in-law: Allen Cruickshank (Jean) of Quispamsis and Whitfield Steeves (Betty); her sister-in-law, Arlene Geldart (Henry) of Petitcodiac and Elsie Chamberlain (Gerald) of Sussex; along with several nieces and nephews.
Besides her parents, Doris was predeceased by her beloved husband Arthur “Art” Cruickshank; her brothers: Norman Gregg (Sharron) and Gordon Gregg; her sister, Elva Steeves; and her brothers-in-law: John Obermeier and Paul Bozic.
Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Wallace Funeral Home,
34 Sunnyside Drive, Sussex (506-433-1176). Visitation for Doris will be held at Abundant Life Church, 489 Main Street, Sussex, on Saturday, March 14, 2026, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. A Celebration of Doris’s Life will be held at Abundant Life Church on Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m.
Donations in Doris’s memory may be made to Abundant Life Church or the Diabetic Society. Personal condolences may be offered through wallacefuneralhome.com.