Our family is sad to announce the passing of Doreen Lavonne Armstrong. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Bruce; son Morley, his daughter Tiffany; daughter Audrey Morris (Doug) their sons, Blair (Rachel) and Andrew (Tasia); son Kevin (Holly) and their children, Brody and Shaye.
Doreen was born in Birch River, MB, to Bud and Doris McMillan; older sister to Merita, Marylyn, and Carolyn. Doreen and Bruce were married in Swan River, MB in 1957 where all three children were born. After establishing their strong roots in the Swan Valley, they had the opportunity to move to British Columbia living in Castlegar, Port Alberni and ultimately retiring in Victoria.
She was a proud ‘Birch River’ girl growing up on a farm in the McKinley School District. Doreen either walked or rode her pony to the country school which was also used for other community gatherings such as her 4H meetings. Grade 11 was the highest level she could achieve in Birch River and when she was informed by the Department of Education she was too young for a teaching permit she marched down to The Bank of Toronto in town and applied for a job which she got after her parent’s permission as she wasn’t quite 16. After a few months of training, she was transferred to Swan River where she took room and board, gradually overcame homesickness and grew a circle of friends through St. Andrew’s United Church, curling and of course with the ladies at the bank.
Bruce proposed to Doreen in the old Co-op lumberyard truck when Doreen turned 18 and less than a year were married. 
One of their most difficult decisions was presented when Bruce was asked by Co-op to transfer to Castlegar, BC in 1972. They accepted the offer and by August had moved the family to the West Kootenay town. During the years in Castlegar, Doreen worked for the Bank of Commerce, made some wonderful friends once again through the bank, curling, hockey parent circle and her cherished Woodland Park neighbours.
In the fall of 1978, another call came from Co-op asking Bruce to consider a transfer to Port Alberni and once again they accepted and in early January 1979, they moved to Vancouver Island. It made Doreen very happy to know she had cousins living there and it didn’t take long to build a lasting relationship with them. She went back to work for the Toronto Dominion enlarging her circle of friends with more co-workers and hockey parents. Two years later in June 1981, another call from Co-op, another move. This time it was the full circle back home to Swan River.
Doreen and Bruce were so thankful for the time with their parents, extended family, and dear friends during the following 6 years in their hometowns. But Doreen made it clear during a bitterly cold winter in 1987-88 that when they visited Audrey and Doug in Victoria that March, she wouldn’t be returning if she got a job there. She did get an interview with First Pacific Credit Union and sure enough, was hired. After giving notice at the Swan Valley Credit Union, Doreen flew back to Victoria in April with her budgie bird in a cup box under the seat. It was October before Bruce was able to join her and so began their Victorian era!
Doreen’s hands were never idle. She could cook and bake up a storm. She embroidered, crocheted, quilted, did needlework and tried ceramics, enjoyed fishing but knitting was her passion; countless number of baby sweater sets were made, mitts, sweaters, toques and afghans. Doreen was a season ticket holder for the Victoria Royals and a huge fan of Marty.
Her focus in life was family and friends who she kept dear to her heart to the very end. The love for her parents and sisters was undeniable. She cherished the family reunions and spent hours working on Family Trees for the Hogarths, McMillans and Armstrongs.
We, her children and grandchildren, were blessed with a Mother and Gramma who loved us unconditionally and supported us in our pursuits. She was there cheering at hockey and soccer games, attending cadet and military parades, band concerts and music gigs….the list is endless.
Doreen’s 61-year marriage to Bruce was unwavering, partners in every way, their love, and respect for each other always evident.
Visitation will take place at McCall Gardens Redwood Chapel, 4665 Falaise Drive on Thursday, February 21, 2019 from 6:30 – 8 pm. A Celebration of Doreen’s Life with a reception to follow will be held on Friday, February 22, 2019 in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive at 3 pm.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her memory to your charity of choice.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
Audio Recording of Funeral Service
Video Recording of Funeral Service
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Yvonne Croxson ,sister in law
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Yvonne Croxson ,sister in law Dear Morley I am so very sorry to recently hear about your mums passing
My condolences and prayers are with you
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Lindsay Cuffe Kevin,
Sincere condolences to you and your family. We are thinking of you as you journey through this path of grief and loss.
Sincerely,
The staff at Eventide Funeral Home in Red Deer
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Helaine Huska Dear, Bruce, Morley, Audrey and Kevin,
So sorry to hear about Doreen’s passing. So many wonderful early childhood memories with your family in Woodland Park! I can still hear her laughing, your laughing too Bruce!! So lucky to have had all of you in our Family’s lives!
Looking across the street to your driveway, also the frozen homemade rink and the fun had between our homes. I still remember the red maple being planted there as well with the Menards! What pleasant memories! Thinking of you at this difficult time. Hugs to you all! Helaine Oleski (Huska)xoxo
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Joy Ang Dearest Bruce, Morley, Audrey, Kevin and families,
My most sincere & heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the loss of your wife, mother and grandmother. Although I only knew her for a short while, her deep love for her family was undeniable. I hope you find comfort in the many wonderful memories that you have of Doreen.
Joy
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Larry and Sharon Woolgar and all the Brennans To Bruce, Morley,Audrey and Kevin, Our deepest sympathy to you and your families in the passing of a wonderful wife, mother and sister. Another, as she would say,great Birch River girl!!
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Gerry and Jean Hogarth We were incredibly saddened to hear of Doreen’s passing. She was always a pleasure to visit with, whether it be in person at a Hogarth Family Reunion, on the phone when we were miles apart or in her wonderful family e-mail updates. Her zest for life and positive attitude were always present, regardless of what was going on at the time. She was amazing at keeping up with the details of the family, whether they be from years ago or just recent happenings. Her stories were wonderful! Her quick smile and commanding presence, especially when it was time to take the weekend’s group photos, will be missed. There will definitely be a big hole at our next get family together. She will be missed!
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Stacey Lund Dear The Armstrong Family,
Your mom will be dearly missed. Such a lovely woman whom we will always remember very fondly. Our love and thoughts are with you.
Stacey and Jamie Lund
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Brent Beadle Dear Kevin and family,
Myself and all the staff of Telford’s were saddened to hear the news of Doreen’s passing. Although most of us have not had the pleasure of meeting this amazing woman, we certainly have got to know Kevin and can see the amazing qualities, character and personality he has displayed which would have definitely been from Doreen’s motherly love. We are here if you need anything and wishing you all our sincerest condolences.
Brent Beadle and staff at Telford’s Burial and Cremation Centre
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Myrna Hardy Bruce, Morley, Audrey, Kevin & Families.
My most sincere condolences to all of you at a very sad time in your lives.
Many memories when we lived on the same street in Swan River, Mb.Hugs to everyone
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Karen & George Kezema Uncle Bruce & Family
Our sincere condolences
She will always be in your hearts.
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Shirley Bailey Dear Bruce, Morley, Kevin, Audrey and families
It is with a great sadness that we offer you our condolences. Doreen touched so many lives and will be so greatly missed. We cherish the many visits and the many fun games of Canasta we played. Doreens passing is leaving a huge hole in all of our lives but you, and we all, will fill that hole with all the fun and happy memories of a great lady. She was so proud of you all.
You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, Bill, Shirley, James and Sherry Bailey
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Boyd Sweetser My sincere condolences to you Bruce and family. Doreen will be greatly missed. Ryan and I were so glad to be able to visit with Doreen and you when we recently visited beautiful Victoria. I hope you are each able to find some comfort in your shared memories and family connections here back home in Manitoba. My thoughts are with you.
Boyd and family
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Kirstie Smolyk Kevin and Family,
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of your mother. Please know that all your friends at Park Memorial Funeral Home in Edmonton are thinking about you. We know there will be many hard days ahead, but we hope that happy memories of your mom will also bring about some smiles and laughs when you most need them.
Sincerely,
Kirstie & Nelson, Brad, Len, Paul, Rob, Wynn, Kelli and all the Park Memorial Staff
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Frank and Deanie Olsen Bruce and family
Our hearts are saddened on the loss of a beautiful woman. We have so many good memories of Doreen and allways admired your friendship with mom and dad Olsen. Thank you for being so good to them. Ours love is sent to you today and a special hug to you Bruce. Love Frank and Deanie Olsen and family
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Darren and Joyce Feere Bruce, Morley, Audrey, Kevin and families,
Our deepest sympathies to you all as you say goodbye today to a dear and beloved wife, mom, and grandma.
I am so thankful for the very few moments I had to share with her over a cup of tea and mountains of papers of family history. She will be missed.May God comfort you and richly bless you all this day and in the future. I hope our paths will cross soon.
Darren and Joyce Feere
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Stu and Doris Carrol Bruce, Kevin and Family,
Please accept our condolences. I have many memories of Doreen’s smiling face and good humor at all times. We know her death leaves a huge hole in the heart of Bruce and the entire Family. Our wish is God’s comfort to all and many fond memories to sustain and uplift you over the years.
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Karen & Greg Lonsdale Kevin
So sorry to hear of your loss of your Mother.
Our thought are with you and your family.
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Gerald Mooney Bruce and family, please accept Joanne’s and my dearest condolence,s on you’re great loss. Sorry we couldn’t make it down, love you all.
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Wendy D Yufrym Uncle Bruce and family, Jim and I were so sorry to hear of Auntie Doreens passing.So glad I was able to see you guys this past summer, she will be missed and our thoughts are with you. Take care …
Our deepest sympathy for you and your family …
Wendy and Jim
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Maureen Hillman Dear Bruce & family,
I was shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Doreen. What I remember the most of my dear cousin, is she Always had a smile on her face, was always energetic, and willing to help anyone, and I always enjoyed listening to her many stories. The last time we talked, she was updating the family tree where she needed the names of our sons wives.
She will be missed.
You can’t think of Doreen and not smile, as she had that effect on everyone.
Sending our deepest condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.Maureen & Gary Hillman
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Isobel & Bill Kushniryk Bruce, Morley, Audrey, Kevin and families. We are so sorry for your loss, and we know there are no words we can say to make you feel better.
Bruce, you had over 60 years of making memories with Doreen and you can dwell on these. We are very thankful for the happy time we had when you both and Morley visited us in Swan River this past fall. Please remember you are all in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.
Love from us all. Isobel & Bill
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Sharon Borradaile Dear Audrey and family so very sorry to hear of the passing of you Mum.
she was a wonderful happy person and she will be missed.
Love Sharon and Steve Borradaile
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Claude Fortin Our sincere condolences to Bruce and Family.
Claude & Kim Fortin
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Gwen Ziprick Dear Kevin and the entire Armstrong family- we are thinking of you as you face the loss of the matriarch of your family together. All the best hopes that your memories bring much needed laughter, tears and endless ways to rekindle her spirit.
Your West Kootenay funeral friends from Alternatives Funeral and Cremation in Trail, Castlegar Funeral Chapel, Thompson Funeral Service and Valley Funeral Home.
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The Everden Family Mom’s Hug
Author Unknown“A mom’s hug lasts long after she lets go.”
Kevin, Our thoughts are with your family.
Jason, Kim, Brandon & Nathan Everden
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Narelle Yallop Audrey, it’s a very sad time for you all and I know the love of family will see you all come through this a little stronger, a little closer.
Hugs to you all
Narelle.
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Wally Mooney Dear Bruce and family,I too would like to offer my deepest condolences. Doreen was my family date at aunt louise’s funeral and we rebonded. I am so very glad that i/we got to share the love and laughter with her at Glen and wanda’s . I will miss her big smile and knowledge of family.
💙
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Kathryn, Matt & Clare Kevin and family, I am so sorry for your loss. Doreen was such a lovely, cheerful woman. She warmed my heart everytime I was around her. She will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with you all during this difficult time.
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Daryl & Barb Williams Bruce, Kevin, Audrey, Morley and Family:
Our sincere condolences to you all on the loss of your wife and mother Doreen. Unfortunately we are out of the country but we are there in spirit.
Sending love and hugs.
Daryl & Barb
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Trish Gillman Dearest Kevin and family. I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your Mom. I wish I could be there for you. I unfortunately know first hand how hard it is to lose you Mom. But, if I know anything about you, you will keep the memories going strong. Take time to grieve it will creep up on you when you least expect it. Let it go. I am sure your Mom is in Heaven rejoicing with others that have gone before her. No more pain. No more sorrow. The sorrow is with us because we have a broken heart. In time it will begin to heal. Sending hugs Kevin.
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Christina Thompson Kevin,
I’m so sorry for your loss, thinking of you and your family.
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Andrea Robert Audrey and family, my deepest condolences to you all. What a gem Doreen was! I was so privileged to have known her as both a co-worker and a friend. Her sense of humor was amazing! Her spirit was kind and gentle.
I’ll miss her so much! If there is anything I can do, please let me know.My heart is brpken for all of you..
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Starla Burton My deepest condolences. I have so many fond memories of the time I spent with Doreen. My fondest are the trips to beacon hill park to feed the ducks and enjoy the petting zoo. Our family lost an incredible women. My heart goes out to the family and Bruce, may her wonderful ways that touched us all remain in our hearts forever.
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Bill Everden Sorry to hear about your mom Kevin. Our deepest sympathy to you and your family. June and Bill Everden
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Hedy Oleski Deeply saddened by the news of my dear friend and Woodland Park neighbor, Doreen. My family has so many memories of the Armstrongs. I was so lucky to have Doreen living across the street and loved her visits to Castlegar. Love to all at this time..Hedy Oleski and John Adams.
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Craig McFee Kevin and family,
So sorry to for your loss, all of our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
Craig and Tracy McFee
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Sharon Mooney My sincere condolences to you Bruce and family. Doreen will be greatly missed. I hope you are each able to find some comfort in your shared memories and family togetherness as you try to accept this great sadness and terrible loss. My thoughts are with you.
Love & Hugs
Sharon Mooney
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Edwin Hogarth My most sincere condolences she was a super lady
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Allison Bruce, Morley, Audrey, Kevin and families,
Your mom meant so much to our family. It has been a true blessing to have her in my life – I have memories from Swan River days, and many from Victoria and Campbell River from back in high school days to as recent as last year. I send my deepest sympathies to all of you and wish I could be there. Sending my thoughts, prayers and strength your way this week and moving forward.
Love Allison
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Evan J Strong Funeral Services Kevin and family ,
We will have a good thought for you and your family during this difficult time .The staff of Evan J Strong Funeral Services
Calgary, Alberta
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Debbie&Barry Cords Bruce & family, We were shocked & heart broken to hear the news about Doreen. We wish that we could reach out and give each of you a huge hug. Doreen will be greatly missed by so many people. She made the world a happier & better place for us all. We hope that your many many wonderful memories of her as (wife, mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, cousin & a dear dear friend) will bring you comfort at this time. We wish we could be with you, you will be in our thoughts & prayers. We love you all very much❤️
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Gene Pielechaty Uncle Bruce, Morley, Audrey, Kevin and families,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time. In the days ahead each of you will be able to reflect on all the great times spent together. Those memories will keep Auntie alive in your hearts forever! We are so thankful that Uncle Bruce, Auntie Doreen, and Morley came to Manitoba last summer. We will cherish that visit forever!
Gene & Debbie Pielechaty
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David and Bonnie Douglas Bruce , Morley , Audrey and Doug and Kevin and Holly.
Our thoughts are with you during this very sad time . Since we first met Doreen she went out of her way to include us as part of her family . She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered .
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Valerie Martell Kevin and family, my sincere condolences on the loss of your mom.
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Harold Wallace Kevin and Armstrong family
Condolences to you all on the loss of Mrs. Armstrong. Our thoughts are with you as you travel through this journey of grief.
Harold Wallace and staff of H. W. Wallace Cremation and Burial Centre
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Darlene Hamre To Kevin and Armstrong family, Our sincere condolences are with you at this time. Sending big hugs from the North, please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ric, Darlene and Kaylie Hamre
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The Heppells Dear Bruce, Morley, Audrey, Kevin and families,
We are deeply saddened to hear about Doreen’s passing. For the almost 30 years that I have known her, she always had a big smile and welcome whenever our paths would cross. She always wanted an update on all the family and I was amazed how she could keep track of all of the people that she knew. More recently it was great to run into her at the hockey rink and I always enjoyed our visits on Christmas Eve. She has left a great legacy for her family that will transcend generations. We will miss her dearly. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of the Armstrongs at this time.
Love Rob, Cindy, Haleigh and Noah Heppell.
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Ralph & Pat French Morley;
Our prayers and condolences are with you at this time.
It would b lovely to hear from u Morley
Love Yvonne and Graham