Born in Hanna, Alberta to Norman and Hannah Knott, Doreen married Charlie MacDonell and moved with him to Grande Prairie, Alberta in 1952 where they began their new lives, he as a lawyer and she as a homemaker, legal secretary and mother. Doreen was a cub leader, lifelong Liberal, a musician, attended one of Canada’s longest running book clubs, gardened, sang in choirs and supported local artists. Doreen lived in Grande Prairie until moving to Victoria in 2017. She travelled extensively after Charlie’s death in 1989 leaving little of the globe uncovered. When at home she golfed, worked as an enumerator, supported many local charities, played bridge and spent many happy hours with her numerous friends.
Doreen died (she insisted on not passing away) surrounded by her children and grandchildren, all of whom came to say their goodbyes. Many thanks to the staff at the Royal Jubilee Hospital 5th floor South who helped make Doreen’s last days comfortable and her family welcome. Thank you to Dr.Tim McKay who went over and above to provide excellent medical care to Doreen.
Doreen is survived by her children, Norm (Lisa), Sandy (Karin), Elizabeth Ann, and Mhairi (Paul). As well, she leaves her grandchildren – Julie, Anna, Greg, Caitlin, Tanya, Robin, Danika, Amy and James. She leaves her only sister, Wanda and Wanda’s children and grandchildren. Doreen also leaves her extended family, George, Tania, Emily and William. She was able to say goodbye to a few of her friends and family members, but unfortunately could not say her farewells to all of her many loved ones. Doreen left her friends and family reluctantly, she sincerely thought she would live forever and was a little surprised to hear that her very full life was coming to a close. She accepted the news gracefully, commencing to say her goodbyes and reminding us to rescue her gold teeth when the time came.
If you would like to honour Doreen’s memory, in lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to Odyssey House in Grande Prairie (odysseyhouse.ca). Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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Jill Thomson
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Margaret Bowes Doreen and I enjoyed a great friendship from the time she and Charlie moved to GP in the mid-50’s until she left for Victoria – over 60 years! We organized a two table women’s bridge club shortly after Doreen arrived – Doreen was our teacher and we quickly learned what trump was! In the first few months we set a timer so that people learned to make their bids and played quickly! We continued playing with different people over that long time span. We were involved in many projects together – Odyssey House, the Museum, Cubs, choir etc. When Doreen was the enumerator I was one of her friends ‘invited’ to help with the census. That was quite a chore – especially when one had the ‘long form’ to be completed by reluctant citizens!
Charlie was a good bridge player too, and we had 3 tables of mixed bridge. In fact when Elizabeth Anne was born a few days before our son David, Charlie came to the hospital every evening and he and Doreen, Bill and I would play bridge until visiting hours were over!Many happy memories of Doreen, Charlie and the family and I was happy that we were able to keep in contact by phone or email until just before Doreen was hospitalized the last time.
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Leslie Ayre-Jaschke Doreen and Charlie were friends with my mum and dad in Grande Prairie, sharing a love of bridge (and some time out at Sturgeon Lake). I enjoyed getting to know Doreen later in life, adult to adult. She was so fun and smart and we had some great conversations. If we’d lived closer together, we could have been good friends. Condolences to all the MacDonell family, who will miss this beautiful woman.
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pat zandee-hart I was so sad to hear that Doreen left us. My conversations at Carlton house and her newsy texts after I left. She was a very clever, funny and insightful. She will be missed and remembered fondly. Pat
Just recently I had an occasion to think of Doreen. So sad to hear of her passing….sorry, Doreen, sad to learn that you died so recently. News doesn’t always reach people who care and remember.
Doreen was a friend of Mom’s and I know Charlie and Dad were friends as well. I mostly remember Doreen as one of the bridge group and I know Mom appreciated her style!
Remembering Doreen makes me smile and I sense she’d be pleased about that. Hope you’ve made your way to the Heavenly bridge table Doreen, and you are being welcomed by many old friends.
Sincerest condolences to her earthly family.
Jill (Hudson) Thomson.