Doreen Evelyn Walker

WALKER (Watchler) Doreen Evelyn “Dode” – died very peacefully in her sleep at Carter Senior Care, Dartmouth, on May 9, 2011, eight days before her 91st birthday. Born in Saskatchewan on May 17, 1920, she was a daughter of F.E. and Agnes Watchler. Dode graduated from Winnipeg General Hospital, class of ’43, as one of the most amazing RN’s ever. Just prior to graduation, she married George, the love of her life (they met when they were both teenagers). After a one night honeymoon in Moosejaw, Saskatchewan (!) George shipped overseas with his army unit and Dode plunged into heavy duty nursing which took her on the road at times and included many experiences in surgical theatres. After the war, George and Dode started their family and began their journey across Canada as they took up London Life postings. They arrived with their two daughters in Halifax in 1953 and decided this was the best place to be. Dode, with boundless energy, took part in Halifax life. She served on the Board of Directors of the Protestant Orphanage, the Salvation Army Home for Unwed Mothers, was a volunteer Hospice team member at the V.G. Hospital and was extremely active in the Home and School Association at Gorsebrook School while her girls were in elementary and junior high. Dode was a figure skater in her youth and on arrival in Halifax, continued her love of playing bridge, was a member of the Waegwoltic Club while her daughters were growing up, was an enthusiastic curler, bowler, and as a member of Ashburn Golf Club, was bound and determined to “break 100”. She spent many hours at Sackville Downs where she, with head down, worked on a complicated “formula” which no one else understood but it provided her with many wins. Dode discovered slot machines at the Casino (which she called her “office”) and with her magic touch was known for having fantastic luck. Dode and George loved to travel and had wonderful adventures before they decided to winter in Deerfield Beach, Florida every year for two decades. Dode was struck by a vicious, often blinding eye disease while she was in her thirties but with strong determination and the constant, skilled and often inventive talents of her eye physician/surgeon and friend, Dr. Jack Quigley, she refused to stop living a good quality of life and won many battles with her sight. Her family was her passion and she was overjoyed when grandchildren started arriving. There are lots of “Nana” stories that will be told for years to come! Dementia is cruel but thankfully, those around her in the past few years were treated to sparks of Dode’s outrageous sense of humour which remained right to the end. Dode always had an extremely deep love for God and tried to live her life the way she felt He wanted her to and those close to her, knowing her acts of kindness and charity, would say her life was lived very well under His guidance. Now that God has gathered her to Him, Dode can see clearly again – what a wonderful reward! Dode is survived by daughters Pat Johnstone, Halifax; Fran Doyle and son-in-law Jim Doyle, Yellowknife, NWT; granddaughters Kelly Johnstone, Stewiake, N.S.; Kate (Greg) Moverley, Hamilton, Ont.; grandsons Tim (Roselle) Doyle, Yellowknife; Rob (Jenni) Doyle, Peterborough, Ont.; great-grandchildren Max and Martha Moverley; James and David Doyle (Yellowknife) and Sarah and Alex Doyle (Peterborough). She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, George; sister Kae McKinnon; son-in-law Peter Johnstone; and best friend Ruth Miller. The family would like to thank Dode’s circle of angelic caregivers while she was at home, Margie, Nancy, Emily and Sandy and the devoted staff of Carter Senior Care, especially Robin and Pat. We also thank Dr. Ernie Johnson, Dr. Jack Quigley, Dr. Donald Campbell and Dr. Ben and Elizabeth Yuen along with their compassionate and funny team at their Alpha Laser Therapy Clinic. Cremation has taken place under the direction of J.A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Dr., Halifax. There will be no service at this time. A celebratory tribute to Dode will be held in the summer. Dode adored children, and expressed a desire for any donations to be made to the Children’s Wish Foundation. Please visit www.jasnowfuneralhome.com.

“My precious child, I love you and will never leave you. During your trials and testing, when you saw only one set of footprints, it was then that I carried you”.