In sadness, the family of Doreen Demaré announces her passing at the Victoria General Hospital on October 12, 2021.

 

Doreen was predeceased by her husband Paul; son David; son-in-law Calvin; brother-in-law Remi; and by her parents, Leon and Victorine Cousin (née Vigier). She showed strong courage in these losses. Doreen is survived by her children, Douglas, Renée (Gord), and Ramona (step-daughter Catrina); daughters-in-law, Alison and Daniella; grandchildren, Justin, Robyn, Sarah, Deanna (Zac), Stijn, Dries, Kalyna, Davis, Sydney, Alex, Riley (Keith), Sean, and Emily. She is also survived by siblings, Lucille (Vic), Jerry (Linda), Rick (Debbie), Michèle (Hans), Laurie (Donna), and Danielle (Don); and sister-in-law Maria.

 

Doreen lived in Notre Dame until about 5 years of age, and then on her parent’s family farm near Swan Lake, Manitoba. The eldest of a family of seven children, Doreen became a problem solver to her siblings and whether a large problem or a frivolous challenge they always felt they could ‘call Doreen about it’; and this carried on throughout the years. Doreen graduated high school in Bruxelles, then Teachers’ College the following year. She taught at the rural schools of Archibald (LaRivière) and Cardinal, then at Windsor Park Collegiate in St Boniface School Division, Winnipeg.

 

Paul and Doreen were married in 1961. While a stay-at-home Mom, Doreen was also enrolled at University of Winnipeg and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1967. Doreen and Paul owned a cottage on Deception Bay, Lake of the Woods and the lake took an important place in family life for both her immediate and extended family. Doreen was always happy to gather family, friends, her parents and siblings whether at home or at the lake.

 

While raising her children, Doreen was an active community leader at Norberry Community Club having sat on the Board of Directors and contributing community club news to The Lance for many years.  In addition, Doreen managed the Rental Real Estate business that she and Paul owned and never hesitated to personally do any work required for the business from laying carpet and repairing appliances to purchasing and selling properties. 

 

During these years, Doreen was also highly engaged in politics and with the Provincial Progressive Conservative Party. In 1986, she was elected as Winnipeg City Councillor for Riel/St Vital Ward, where she was admired for her dedication to the betterment of St. Vital and Winnipeg.  Doreen’s colleagues at City Council noted her thorough research on City issues and her pragmatic, highly productive approach as a City Councillor. There is now a park in St Vital named for Doreen.  In the latter part of her career, Doreen worked in administrative leadership at the leg for her constituency MLA and at Pa D’or Manufacturing, the family business founded by her and Paul.

 

Doreen always modelled a strong work ethic in her personal and professional life.   In retirement, she carried her enthusiasm into supporting her children and 13 grandchildren, playing Bridge, participating in dance groups and other events. Doreen always enjoyed winter vacations in the Caribbean and travelled extensively with Paul throughout her life. Until Covid halted travel, Doreen attended many bridge tournaments in far destinations and earned enough bridge points to achieve Silver Life Master.

 

Doreen loved her family and was particularly proud of her grandchildren. Pictures of her children and grandchildren, siblings and parents adorned every room of her home. Doreen also treasured her friends from Bridge and dancing groups and was caring and helpful to everyone. With her siblings, children and grandchildren, she shared many vivid stories about their heritage which helped others understand the past. Her strength will be missed.

A sincere thank you is extended to family and bridge friends who assisted with care for Doreen, and to medical staff at the Victoria General Hospital, in particular Dr. Cavers, and to the medical staff at Cancer Care Manitoba, in particular Dr. Ralph Wong, Michelle and Dr. Ogaranko.

 

A private funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:30 AM on Wednesday, October 27, Due to Covid restrictions the mass will be attended by immediate family only.

 

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for the committal service (interment of Doreen's ashes) at 12:45 PM Wednesday, October 27 in St. Vital Cemetery, 236 River Road. Family will arrive shortly after the mass.

 

A reception and celebration of Doreen's life will be held at 2:00 PM Wednesday, October 27, 2021 at 603 Wellington Crescent at Academy Road (Unitarian Church). RSVP is optional but appreciated by the family. Please click here to register your attendance.

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A video recording of the program (eulogies) will be available on this page within a few hours after the celebration of life event. Please return here if you are unable to attend but would like to watch.