Elizabeth Doreen Kerpan

With heavy hearts the family of Doreen Kerpan, 92, of Saskatoon, SK share her passing on Saturday February 3, 2024. She will be sadly missed by her family and friends who will remember her kindness, her determination, her consideration for others, her love of reading and education and of course a quick visit because the coffee pot was always on. She loved her flowers and took great pride with her yard, showcasing a continual bloom of colours throughout spring, summer and fall. Many friends and relatives were fortunate to receive some of her plants as she gave freely to anyone who wanted to plant flowers. Doreen was a great mom, a loyal friend, a good neighbour, and a life long learner.

Doreen was the first daughter in a family of six children, born to Joseph and Elizabeth Dietz. She grew up with a strong work ethic and a great love for school and learning. She left home to pursue a career as a psychiatric nurse, but plans changed when she married Martin Kerpan in 1950. The family lived in Kenaston, where they raised four children. Life was busy with farming and supporting children's activities, but she always found time to help her community.

Doreen was a community minded volunteer at heart, who worked to help her community move forward. She took great pride in the many committees she was involved with; helping to establish a town library or starting the ground breaking work for a community swimming pool in the 60's. But she especially enjoyed her time working in the library, reading to the children as they came in for books. Her love for books and education are her lasting legacy. Doreen realized the importance of education and encouraged all her family to broaden their educational opportunities. Eventually, retirement brought mom and dad to Saskatoon where they quickly gained new friendships with their neighbours. Having the family in Saskatoon was also a bonus.

Doreen is lovingly remembered by daughters Andrea (Stephen) Gerich, Pamela (Craig) Wilson, Marla (Lyle) Fruson, and daughter-in-law (Lorie) Kerpan; 8 grandchildren, Tera, Sharleen, Scott, Chandra, Brett, Andrew, Derek, Mandee; 7 great grandchildren, Drew, Janae, Keagan, Nicholas, Haylan, Claire, Ethan; sisters Loretta and Ellen as well as other extended family members. Doreen was predeceased by her husband Martin; son, Wayne; parents, Joseph and Elizabeth Dietz; brothers Alex and Frank; and sister Rosella.

The family gathered earlier this week for a private family interment.

Donations in memory of Doreen can be made to a charity of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Travis Minor