Rhodora Miraflor Thomas (Dorie) was born in Intramuros, Manila, Philippines on August 15, 1937. Dorie completed her elementary education at Moises Salvador School. She went to Arellano University and  University of Santo Tomas for her high school education. Her father was a lawyer and her mother was a school teacher.

Dorie later attended St. Paul's University in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental where she studied pre-nursing. Dorie then went to  the Maternity and Children's Hospital, where she studied midwifery. Upon completing her studies, Dorie moved to Zamboanga City, where she worked in the public health sector as a mid-wife and nurse. There she served the Muslim population for eight years.

 

In 1968, Dorie left the Philippines for Amsterdam. Dorie was recruited by nuns and began working at a hospital for over three years. In 1970, Dorie immigrated and settled in Canada. Upon receiving her accreditation with the College of Nurses of Ontario, Dorie worked at Michael Garron Hospital, (formerly Toronto East General Hospital) up until her retirement in 2002. 

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Dorie greatly enjoys her independence and takes pride in caring for her health. Even after retirement, Dorie exercises every day for two hours, walking 4,800 metres a day.  On Mondays and Fridays she volunteers at St. Maria Goretti Parish in Scarborough. In her spare time, Dorie enjoys reading, swimming and watching tennis and baseball. Furthermore, Dorie enjoys travelling, and visited many countries like Italy, France, Scotland, Whales, Iceland, Norway and China. Dorie also has one daughter, Roda, who is a Registered Nurse at Toronto Western and is a proud grandmother of two. 

As the Social Affairs Coordinator, Dorie looks forward to every Saturday, where she gets to socialize and chat with her friends. Dorie hopes for SOSA to grow and build a stronger community where people can help, laugh and sing with each other.