Doreen Shirley Girbav

With profound sadness and broken hearts, we wish to announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, grandmother and great grandmother, Doreen Shirley Girbav on September 2, 2025 in Kamloops, BC while still residing in her home. Mom was 93 but she was the first to correct us and tell us I’m 93 1/2.

She was predeceased by her husband, Clarence, in 1987, her grandson, Paul Tyler Ayres, in 2010, her son, Don Girbav, in 2019, and her daughter, Darlene Velestuck, in 2023.

She is survived by her three daughters, Brenda Ayres, Kamloops, Cherry Girbav, Vancouver and Carla Sjodin, Kamloops. She is also survived by seven grandchildren, six great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Mom was born in Shamrock Sask, in February of 1932 and moved to Ewings Landing, BC with her family at about the age of 10. She then moved to Armstrong, BC around 1945 where she met the love of her life. They were married on November 11, 1950. From 1950 until 1961 she lived in Penticton, Armstrong, Prince Rupert and Trail which was where her five children were born. While raising her children she worked at the cannery in Penticton, the office at Whiteway Laundry in Kamloops and various other places. Her husband was working on the road in sales.

Finally in 1961 mom and dad settled in Kamloops. They purchased Vacuum Rebuilders where she ran the store while dad continued on the road in sales.

In the early 1970’s she went back to school and took an accounting course.

After dad passed, she continued to run Vacuum Rebuilders selling the store in 2004 and retiring at the age of 72.

She had a variety of hobbies and interests including ceramics, sewing, bowling, painting and gardening which gave her so much joy. Many people would often comment on how beautiful her gardens were.

Mom was an incredible cook and baker. Always delighting family and friends with something she had just made whether it was a sit-down dinner or a late night sweet of some sort. Many walking away with a recipe or two from mom.

She loved her eight grand-children and her six great grand-children very much. They were her pride and joy.

She will be sadly missed by all. We hope that we can carry on her teachings and share them with our children and grand-children.

She truly was the heart and soul of our family.

As per mom’s request there will be no service or celebration of life. Cremation has taken place and at a later date her ashes will be joined with her late husband.

The family would like to thank the nurses from Community Care Nursing Zone 1A for the wonderful care they provided. Also Dr. Thomasse for his compassionate care of mom in her home.

Please feel free to share your fondest memories of our mother, Doreen Girbav, at Dignity Memorial First Memorial Funeral Service.