Remembering Doris, 52 years later

52 years ago, Montreal learned of Doris’s murder. Today, her name lives on through a mission: to be there for the most vulnerable women.

Doris was 37 years old, experiencing homelessness and simply trying to survive. Some time earlier, when a community worker asked what women experiencing homelessness needed most, she had expressed one wish: “A place to go, without prying eyes or too many questions.”

On November 2, 1974, her life was tragically cut short when she was murdered. She would never see that wish become a reality. But her words would live on.

In 1977, Chez Doris was founded in her memory to provide women experiencing vulnerability with a safe place where they could be welcomed with dignity, compassion and without judgment.

52 years later, we remember Doris. Her wish continues to guide our mission: to offer women a safe place where they can find support and rebuild their lives.