It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother and great-grandmother Doreen Donison at Dr. F. H. Wigmore Hospital on October 3, 2024 after a brief but rapid decline in her health.
Doreen was one of three children born to Charlie and Lizzie. She was the second born to twin-sister Loreen and older brother Tony. Her childhood was spent growing up on a mixed farm in the Fairy Hill district near Earl Grey, SK. A prairie girl who loved the city, she received the abundant blessings of being raised in a closely knit rural community of close family and friends.
Doreen moved to Earl Grey to live with her grandparents in order to complete her high school. Upon graduation she moved to Regina to work where she met the first love of her life, Ed. Together they had four children. During their married years Ed and Doreen lived in Calgary, Vernon and Kamloops.
After Ed and Doreen separated, Doreen moved with her children back to Earl Grey for a brief period where her family became part of the same closely knit community of family and friends she had grown up with. She then later completed a secretarial course, got a job at Sears and moved her family to Regina where she remained for next 35 years.
In 1981 Doreen met Murray Donison, the second love of her life. Together they enjoyed over 25 years of dancing, attending Globe Theatre productions, growing flowers and gardens, woodworking, refinishing antiques and enjoying family gatherings either in their home in Regina or with family elsewhere. After Murray passed away in 2007, Doreen moved to be closer to her children and grandchildren, living in Gravelbourg, Vancouver and Moose Jaw.
Doreen had many interests in her life. These included reading, cooking, genealogy, sewing for her children and grandchildren, growing flowers, playing cards, making soup for the family and travelling. Wherever she lived she loved to be surrounded by flowers. She was active an member of United churches and church groups where ever she lived. The last six years of her life were spent in Victoria Towers with one of the best views in Moose Jaw. She found relief from her pain caused by years of osteo-arthritis and osteo-porosis in her daily and weekly visits ‘taking in the waters’ at Temple Gardens Mineral Spa.
No words can ever express the sorrow of losing a mother. Her greatest joy throughout her life was spending time with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Despite trials and heart aches, pain and suffering, she cherished every minute she spent with those she loved.
Our loving, patient, gentle mother was a beautiful and kind soul. She will forever live in our hearts, minds and memories.
Thank you to the following people who made her life even more beautiful: Dr. Kateryna Pilon, Dr. De Jager (who diagnosed her rare autoimmune disorder myasthenia gravis), Dr. Hosseini (who offered treatment for it), Rev. Tim Ellis and members of both Zion United and Minto United churches, the staff at Temple Gardens pool, the doctors, nurses and wonderful staff at Dr. F. H. Wigmore Hospital who cared for her in her last days and her very good friend Charlene who always made her laugh.
Doreen is survived by her brother Tony (Sharon), twin-sister Loreen; children Wayne (Judy), Cheryl (Martin), Brad (Liz), Linda (Blake); grandchildren Bradley Jr, Katie (Gord), David (Kate), Marta (Skylar), Marcus (Kayla), Bailey (Stephen), Spencer (Courtney), Christian, Benjamin, Josie, Drew, Kane and Shaye; and great-grandchildren Tuxton, Macklund, Kahleah, Abigail, Elizabeth, Forrest, Rory and Madeline; as well as many cousins, nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Doreen’s life will be held at Christ Lutheran Church in Earl Grey on Saturday, October 26, 2024 at 2 pm. Pastor Lois Munholland officiating.
Memorial donations would be welcomed to any charity of choice.
In living memory of Doreen, a memorial planting was made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd. Please sign the memorial register at website: (Obituaries). Dayna Chamberlain - Funeral Director.
