Nerissa Douglas

Rissa (Nerissa) Douglas passed away on Tuesday night, January 13th, 2026. She was surrounded by talk of happy memories. Her husband Olly (Oliver) Douglas, daughters Clare and Liv (Olivia) Douglas, and grandson Haydon Douglas-Jaynes, took turns being with her in her last few days. She was 79 years old. She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2022. We were fortunate to have 4 years more with her than expected. 

Rissa worked at Linamar (Spinic) in Guelph from about 1990 to 2008. She was most known for her time in HR, where she was a listening ear to all who needed it. 

Thank you to all the nurses at Paramed and Bayshore Home Care. You will likely remember Rissa as a woman full of stories. You were an amazing support to her over the last four years. Thank you as well to all the PSWs, nurses, staff and volunteers at Hospice Wellington. You made us all feel warm, safe, and cared for during a most difficult time. We will be forever grateful. 

Rissa was never one for sentimental words. Here is the poem that was read as she left the Hospice on Tuesday night:

***

From Wales, to England, to Canada I roamed

But close to the sea is where I felt at home

My passion was stories from people and books.

I could tell you a story with a nod or a look.

People said I could TALK, and frankly that’s true.

But if you had good stories I could listen well too.

I loved cats, my garden, and all nature’s lights

Like sunrises, sunsets, and auroras in the night

I traveled through the US, in Spain and Peru. 

My souvenirs were stories (and magnets too).

I can now travel anywhere my spirit may lead

Since insurance is no longer something I need.

Lastly, I loved frogs, move forward they must.

That’s what I’m doing now. In that you can trust.

So whether you call me mother, grandma, or wife

Please, always look on the bright side of life.

***

At Rissa’s request there will not be a funeral. We intend to have a celebration of life in the spring. If you wish to be notified of the date please let us know.  Arrangements entrusted to the WALL-CUSTANCE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL 519-822-0051 / www.wallcustance.com.

Memorial contributions to the Hospice Wellington are welcome.

A tree will be planted in memory of Rissa Douglas in the Wall-Custance Memorial Forest.