Eleanor Doreen Northway

1930 ~ 2025

With great sadness and gratitude for a life well-lived, the family of Eleanor Doreen Northway announces her passing of natural causes at her home, surrounded by family, on September 27, 2025 at the age of 95.

Doreen was born on January 3, 1930, in Hampden, Newfoundland. She spent her formative years in St. John’s before moving to Toronto, Ontario, and eventually immigrating to Tucson, Arizona in 1948. It was here that she met and married Robert “Bob” Northway and welcomed two children, Clifford and Heather.

In 1958, Doreen and Bob moved to California with their family and eventually settled in Vista, where they welcomed two additional daughters, Pamela and Hillary. They built a family home in 1961 which would remain Doreen’s beloved residence for 64 years. Her home was the place of countless pool parties, wine and cheese soirees, traditional Christmas mornings, Easter brunches, Thanksgiving dinners, and spirited 4th of July celebrations where her sly sense of humor was often on display.

Doreen was essential in all behind-the-scenes aspects of the family business “Northway Electric.” In 1971, she began a career in real estate. After her marriage dissolved, she continued as a real estate agent eventually becoming the successful owner and broker of “Back to the Basics” Realty. She was fiercely independent and overcame many barriers to succeed in a then male-dominated industry. She never let others set limits to her ability to do what she was determined to do.

In addition to being an incredible businesswoman, Doreen was talented in many creative fields including knitting, sewing, baking, and gardening. She also shared her joy of the visual and performing arts with her family. Doreen believed strongly in education and supported all her children in the completion of their college education.

It was Doreen’s very nature to see the good in all people. She believed strongly in supporting her friends and neighbors and was a trusting and loyal person at heart. Her actions taught her children and grandchildren how to be strong, respectful, resourceful, and resilient while always maintaining a degree of humility.

Doreen was preceded in death by her beloved son, Clifford, her siblings, James Earle, Millicent Leenhouts, and William Earle as well as her parents, William and Florence Earle. She is survived by her daughters Heather, Pamela (Mark), and Hillary (Jeff), daughter-in-law, Karen, as well as her ten grandchildren, nine great grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild; all of whom remember her incredible love, generosity, and kindness.

Please join Doreen's family in taking a moment to reflect on the life of an incredible woman. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes donations to the Clifford S. Northway Memorial Scholarship at California State University San Marcos. A celebration of life will be held at a private residence in early December 2025. Please send an email to [email protected] (please use copy paste in lieu of link) for more information regarding the celebration of life or the Clifford S. Northway Memorial Scholarship.