Doris “Dori” Culbert

Passed away on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at Victoria Hospital in London, Ontario at the age of 72. She is survived by her sister Margaret Culbert Hankala of Hendersonville, NC; her nephew Scott Telfer (Delminda) of London, Ontario; and nieces Kara Telfer Huntley (James) of Seattle, WA, Karen Hankala of Waycross, GA, and Maureen Hankala of Hendersonville, NC. She was predeceased by her parents Aljoe and Lulu (Kerr) Culbert of Lucan and Exeter, her brother Fred Culbert and sister Anne Culbert Telfer, both of London, Ontario.

Dori was born in London on October 10, 1949, Thanksgiving Day. On her birthday in 1969, she was badly injured in a car accident, left in a coma, and not expected to live. Dori slowly regained consciousness but brain damage suffered in the accident left her unable to talk and immobile. Through years of therapy and determination on her part, she began to speak and walk with great perseverance.  Dori was a fighter in every sense of the word! She became known to many in Exeter and London as she travelled in her wheelchair. The years following the accident were difficult. As a young woman, she fought for independence but her condition made it impossible. Dori became one of the first residents of Cheshire House when it opened in London in 1979. This was life-changing for Dori. She was able to take part in many activities; she served on various committees, and volunteered for the betterment of the community. Additionally, she enjoyed spending time with her friend Dennis, swimming, bike riding, playing cards, travelling, and was always “on the go.”  Dori loved people; she was a regular customer at Tim Horton’s and was known by many in the community.

A heartfelt thank you to the staff of Cheshire House for their many years of caring and the joy they brought to Dori’s life. Thank you also to the staff of the Kidney Dialysis unit at Victoria Hospital for their care over the last several years.

Cremation has taken place, and there will be no visitation or memorial service. Burial will take place at Exeter Cemetery.