Doris Ann Pare

In Loving Memory of Doris Ann Evelyn Kelly (Okapiec, Pare) who was born in Stuartburn, Manitoba on May 3, 1919 in the family home. She was the second and last child to be born to Margaret (Toews) born Dec 5, 1891 in Steinbach, Manitoba, and she died November 26, 1992 in Kelowna,British Columbia. Also William Kelly born March 23, 1878 in Tweed, Ontario, who died December 17, 1953 at Stuartburn, Manitoba. Doris’ brother, Maxwell John was born July 4, 1915 and died in 1983.

Doris went to school in Stuartburn and was a well-liked and happy child. She enjoyed camping on the riverbank of the Roseau River and dreamt of becoming a nurse. Even though times were tough, the family enjoyed their prairie county life on their acre of land in a small but cozy home. Doris helped her mother tend a large, productive garden and other chores that her industrious mother would give her to do. Her dream of going to Winnipeg to take nurses training was not in the cards as there was no money so she did what most other girls of the age did… she got married.

Doris married Charlie Okapiec (1914-1991) from Gardenton, Manitoba, on November 2, 1939. They lived in a simple country house on the Okapiec farm along with Charlie’s brother Frank, his wife Myrtle and his youngest brother Stanley. Needless to say, Doris became very unhappy with this living arrangement and eventually they moved into their own little house in town.

Their first child, Karen was born October 23, 1942 and was the only child Doris had. Karen remembered life in the little house as a fun place to be for a young child. It was located next to the country hall and often the brides getting married came over to their home to fix up before they went over to greet their guests gathered for their wedding. Doris and Charlie were dancers and loved the wedding parties, which continued long after the receptions were over.

Doris kept busy during those years with her Red Cross knitting club, knitting for soldiers overseas, as it was the war years. Her life was filled with family, friendships and raising her young daughter.

Eventually the family moved to Piney, Manitoba, when Charlie got a job there. When things didn’t work out, they then moved to Winnipeg where Charlie had a job with Safeway. They moved into the north-end of Winnipeg on Magnes Ave. During this time, the family life began to deteriorate and the couple divorced.

Doris began her life as a single parent in the early 50’s having gone back to school to become a secretary. She was employed all of her working life in hospitals as a secretary to the purchasing agent or to the Director of Nursing. If she couldn’t be a nurse, she could still work in a hospital.

In time, a French gentleman by the name of Leo Pare convinced Doris to marry him and move to Quebec. Her daughter Karen was already married at this time so she felt free to enjoy her next life adventure in Montreal. She spent many happy years exploring Quebec with Leo and enjoying his huge family. She worked at the Allen Memorial Hospital until retirement. In a matter of a year, Leo died of cancer, Doris retired, got her driver’s license and drove to Kelowna (with pet budgie in the back of the car) to be near Karen and her family.

For three years, Doris mourned all that she had lost but one day pulled herself up once again and embraced her new life in British Columbia. She met another nice man, Ernie Scott, and together they travelled around the province, exploring many places her family never knew existed.

Doris volunteered with the SPCA ladies auxiliary and adopted her wee Chihuahua, Nicky who went everywhere with her. She even got kicked out of her apartment building due to a “No Pets” policy. Nothing would separate her from her dear pet companion so she found another pet friendly place.

Doris came from an era where you could not come to visit without sitting and having a drink or food so as a result there were plenty of picnics, lunches and happy hours when together.

In 2002, Doris suffered a stroke on her left side, which she handled with skill and grace. Changes to lifestyle were made and she moved in with her daughter. Eventually she found a home at Mountainview Village which allowed her both independence and support. She continued to smile through those years, even through the loss of her beloved pet Nicky and best friend Ernie. In 2009, she experienced her biggest loss, her daughter Karen who died after a lengthy batter with cancer.

After breaking her hip in 2011, she moved into the Village at Smith Creek where she lived out the rest of her years. She brought to the care home her spirit of spunkiness and loved sharing stories of her younger years with staff members.

While her body was frail, and she experienced some short-term memory loss, even at 97 years of age, she still knew all her family members. Family times were precious to her and she cherished her three granddaughters Heidi, Kirstin and Natasha (Roy) and her great grandchildren Alexandra (Judah), Rachael, April and Sean.

When the flu season hit the care home in February, Doris caught the bug and never recovered. She passed away peacefully in her sleep in the early morning hours on April 4, 2017. The family is thankful for the caring staff at Village at Smith Creek and friends who helped and befriended Doris to the end. “She was one of my favourites,” was a common endearment coming from her caregivers upon her passing.

A celebration of Doris Pare’s life will be held on Sunday, April 23, 2017 in the Rose Room at Sanctuary Gardens located at 3792 Carrall Road in West Kelowna. Drop by anytime from 2-4 p.m. and please dress for the weather for this outdoor open house.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com

Arrangements entrusted to First Memorial Funeral Services 250-762-2299