Durham College Retirees' Association

Welcome to the Durham College Retirees' Association (DCRA)!

Mission

The Durham College Retirees Association is an organization whose function is to provide members with companionship, pertinent information, opportunities for service and response to their concerns.

Headlines

Sharing news regarding the passing of Kerry Doyle-Brownell, Student Advisor, Faculty of Media, Art and Design

This message is sent on behalf of Elaine Popp, President.

Dear colleagues,

It is with deep sadness that I share news of the recent passing of our colleague, Kerry Doyle-Brownell, Student Advisor in the Faculty of Media, Art and Design (MAD).

Kerry has been a valued member of the Durham College (DC) community for more than 30 years. Since joining the college in 1994 as a Support Services Officer, she has supported the Faculty of Media, Art and Design her entire career. Kerry was a DC alumni from the ECE program, and her first role was an ECE at the Lab School (The Early Learning Centre) 

Kerry offered kind and compassionate support to every student she guided, helping them navigate their educational journeys and achieve both personal and academic success. She had a special ability to make students feel seen, heard, and encouraged, no matter their challenges. Her kindness extended beyond her work with students – Kerry was a respected colleague, known for her genuine nature, warm smile, and steady willingness to lend a hand wherever it was needed. Her positivity, generosity of spirit, and quiet strength left a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside her.

At this time, funeral arrangements have not been confirmed. Details will be shared by email once they are available.

Our understanding is that a GoFundMe has been created for Kerry's son, that link is HERE,

DC flags at the Oshawa and Whitby campuses will be lowered to half-mast for 24 hours to honour Kerry’s life. Please join me in thinking of Kerry’s family, colleagues, and friends during this difficult time.

DCRA Christmas Luncheon - Dec. 10, 2025

Since there was some confusion in the last flyer, we have revised it below. For those who already registered and/or paid, thank you. You do not need to do so again.

If you have not yet registered and/or paid, please read the Fees section in the following.

Share the Holiday Season with your former colleagues at the 

Annual Durham College Retirees’ Association Christmas Luncheon

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Kedron Dells Golf Club

2400 Ritson Road North, Oshawa

Agenda

• Hot oven-roasted turkey luncheon with all the trimmings (turkey, dressing, gravy, cranberry sauce, potatoes, seasonal vegetables, coffee, tea, dessert). Please indicate any special dietary restrictions (e.g., vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free) on the registration form.

• Doors Open –10:30 a.m.

• Bar Opens – at 11:00 a.m. - Non-alcoholic/alcoholic beverages available, soda. 

Note: The bar is Pay-As-You-Go. Debit, Visa, and Mastercard are accepted. No cash is accepted at the bar. Mix and Mingle.

• Lunch Served - at 12:30 p.m.

• College Update – 1:30 p.m.; Mix and Mingle continued. Retirees can visit the Amica Retirement information in the Kedron main lobby.

Fees

• New this year: The lunch fee is $10 for all 2025 Lifetime and Annual members, payable upon registration. Proceeds will go to the Food Security Fund for a Durham College student. Members will be given tickets for a draw.

  • If you are a paid 2025 member, please pay the Lunch Fee of $10.

  • If you are not a 2025 member, please pay:

    • the Annual Membership Fee ($35) plus the Lunch Fee ($10) = $45, or

    • the Lifetime Membership Fee ($350) plus the Lunch Fee ($10) = $360.

    • the Guest Fee is $50.

• Payment options can be found on the DCRA website.

Registration

• Register online through the DCRA website Events page. Complete all required information (one form per person). 

• Please remember that members and guests are not considered registered for any event until all fees are paid. 

• Deadline for registration is November 23rd.

Questions? 

• Event questions, contact: Linda Dillon at ldillon5166@gmail.com

• Membership questions, contact: Dave Fletcher at durhamretirees@gmail.com

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

Thanks, 

Dave Fletcher

LINKS Page Updates

Visit our Links page for links to other pages sponsored by members of the DCRA, Today's update is from Lori Connor. If you have a web page that you wish us to link to please let Bill Marlow know.

Benefits of Joining DCRA

To see the benefits of joining the DCRA, click here.