Doreen Austman. It seemed very much like a line from one of the poems or stories she loved to write the first heavy frost of the fall came early on Friday, October 4, and brushed many of Doreen's favourite flowers. With that came the decision that it was the right time for her to leave this world. That morning, Doreen Shirley (Walker) Austman, quietly slipped away to join her husband, Wally. Doreen was born on the family farm near Spy Hill, SK, on December 15, 1933. She spent the final two and a half months of her life at home, cared for by family, visited by many friends and loved ones, enjoying shared memories, stories & laughter right to the end. Doreen met her loving husband, Wally, when she was just 13, and he was a farm hand on her father's farm. Though they didn't marry until she was 21, the flame must've been kindled at that time, for they were together for over 57 years. Their union produced three loving children - Daryl (Lesleigh), Tamara (Shawn) Hall, Deidre (Darin) Feist, and one treasured grandson, Keenan Hall, with whom they spent many happy hours. Doreen fulfilled many roles in her life: first and foremost, wife, mother, and good friend to many (including all of her pampered pets), but also teacher, figure skating judge, business owner (Doreen's Fabrics and Wally's Upholstery), author and poet (Chicken Soup for the Parent's Soul), world traveler - France, Australia, Barbados, Hawaii, England, Spain, and actor & director in Paper Bag Players Community Theatre. She even had a small role in a movie! Doreen loved going for coffee at Fifth Avenue Cup & Saucer, to Writer's Alliance meetings or to the Legion or casino or just having a quiet cup of tea and a heartfelt talk with her dearest friends. Family gatherings with her "sisters", close cousins, nieces and nephews, were always a source of joy, love and laughter. Even though Doreen may often have looked like the "quiet" one, she often had a twinkle in her eye and was always up for a good laugh. Being diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumour on July 16, was a crushing blow. She was set to leave for a tour of the Maritimes with her younger daughter, Deidre, the very next day. Instead - plans changed. Deidre and Daryl moved home temporarily, and along with Tami, cared for Doreen until she died, at home, as she wished. Those days were a gift for Doreen, but even more so, a gift for her children, family members and close friends. Doreen weathered this challenge with such dignity and grace that all those around her were filled with awe. She discovered - or just uncovered - a wry and delicious sense of humour that brought smiles and spontaneous laughter many, many times throughout the days of summer and into fall. We were all reminded of her selflessness, her devotion to family and incredible strength, and we saw how she had touched the lives of so many, many people. Instead of a funeral, Doreen celebrated her life and an early 80th birthday with a party on August 18, in Shawn and Tami's back yard. Friends and family gathered together to share stories, memories and laughter. The warmth, cheer and good wishes helped Doreen's burden be just a little lighter. She and her husband, Wally, will be interred together, during a family graveside service. In lieu of flowers, if desired, please make a donation in Doreen's name to the SPCA, the Yorkton Guardian Angel Animal Rescue, or the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation.
I hated to part with the friends I had left, But my bones were so stiff and so weary.
The frost was so cruel, so deadly and deft, And the snow stung my eyes, made them teary.
So I crawled to my bed, but the warmth was all gone.
The covers were stiff, unappealing.
Far away from the past, came a soft summer song, And I slept as the darkness was stealing.
An excerpt from Cycle - a poem by Doreen Austman
During her last months, a number of very special people made Doreen's journey easier. We want to say a huge thank you to Curtis and Tracy Loucks and their caring staff, to Dr. Van Heerden who stepped in with wise and compassionate advice, to Charlene Malayney and the kind Home Care helpers, and of course, the friends and family who were always there when we needed them. Friends so wishing may forward their condolences to the family by visiting www.christiesfuneralhome.com. Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Christie's Funeral Home & Crematorium, Yorkton, SK.
