January 17, 1934 - November 16, 2023

In loving memory ~

On Thursday, November 16, 2023, Ali Doi (Shewfelt), loving partner and best friend of the late Leonard Satoshi Doi, loving mother to Chris (Lorrie) and Karen (Clarke), loving grandmother to Lance (Jessica), Wendy (Justin), Cameron (Olivia) and Sean and great grandmother to Nicholas and John, devoted sister to Joy, Bill and George (deceased), beloved aunt to nieces and nephews in the Shewfelt and Doi families, and cherished friend to many passed away peacefully at her home in Comox, BC with family at her side.

Born in Thessalon, Ontario, Ali spent most of her life near and on the north shore of Lake Huron, including Thessalon, Sowerby, and Sault Ste. Marie. Ali trained as a nurse in Toronto and began her career at the Plummer Hospital in 1955 in Sault Ste. Marie. She married Ted Bowser (deceased) in 1955, and raised two children: Chris born in 1958, and Karen born in 1961.

Ali met her musical soulmate Len at a house party in Thessalon. Charmed by his beautiful baritone voice, gifted musicianship, and their shared love of laughter and parties, Ali and Len fell in love and were married on October 24, 1980. They lived in Thessalon for many happy years, until moving to Comox (at the young ages of 80 and 82!) to be near her brother Bill and his family. Both Ali and Len loved Comox and all the friends and musical groups they joined and created there. For Len it was a return to his roots (having been born and raised in Vancouver), and for Ali it was a joy to discover the bountiful beauty of Comox Valley - or "God's country" - where she hiked, biked and swam for most of the ten years she lived there.

A lifelong learner, Ali continually expanded her nursing practice, which spanned more than 40 years. She was a surgical nurse, a teacher of nursing students, and a community care nurse for the Victorian Order of Nurses. In her 40s, she became a nurse practitioner, where she worked as both an NP and a manager for the Group Health Centre in Sault Ste. Marie. From there she studied and certified to become an occupational health nurse for a large northern organization. In retirement, Ali took on two new roles: fulltime caregiver for her mom, and newly minted entrepreneur (creating her business "Body and Sole" providing rehab nursing service to patients on the north shore).

Ali was a musician (guitar and hammered dulcimer) and formed and played in many bands over the course of her life (starting with the Hep Cats Band in high school). Ali was well known in the Comox Valley and in northern Ontario for hosting the best music jam sessions, organizing outrageous and fun musical skits and comedy performances, and hosting the best parties!

Ali was a writer and formed the North Shore Writers' Group, which is still going strong today. She was also an active member of at least two writers' groups in the Comox Valley.

Ali was a wonderful friend to so many good folks. Although she lived in the valley for less than a decade, she made many new friends there, while continuing to cherish her many friends along the North Shore. Busy as her social life was, Ali always had time and love to devote to her friends and family.

She was a wise and wild woman; a true friend; a loving mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt; a lover of animals; a rescuer of the lost and injured; a healer; a carer; a writer; a musician; and the world's very best belly laugher.

In the face of a rapidly progressing neurological disease, and nearing the end of her life, Ali chose once again to be a trailblazer. Never one to leave party planning to others, Ali wrote to friends far and wide to say goodbye and give them a chance to write their own goodbyes to her - each of which she read and cherished. Before taking her final journey, Ali hosted her music-filled Celebration of Life, singing along with friends and family to some of her favourite pieces.

Ali was so grateful she could choose the manner and timing of her own passing, and she was especially grateful for the kind and capable support of Dr. Tanja Daws, whose dedication and advocacy has helped make MAiD accessible for all Canadians. Thank you also to the wonderful VIHA folks who made it possible for Ali to return home for her final days (most especially Rachel Hammet) and to the caring staff and many friends of Berwick.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates donations made in Ali's name to the charity of your choice.