Doreen Cranwill (nee Aldridge)

With heavy hearts we are saddened to announce the peaceful passing of our dear mother Doreen, at the age of 97, on Sept.4th, 2026, after a life well lived.

Doreen was predeceased by her parents Thomas and Martha Aldridge, brother Sargeant Thomas Aldridge - Canadian Air Force in combat oversees 1943, sister Patricia Lumsden (1995), beloved husband Harry (2000), brother in law Archie Lumsden, brother and sister in law Bill and Irene Cranwill.

She will be sadly missed by son Richard and wife Barb Russell, daughter Karen and husband Gordon Redmann, grandchildren Ryan (Aly), Allison, Christine, Mitchell, Cole (Cassidy), Bruce (Brittany), Courtney (Coulter), great grandchildren Lyla, Laura and Jackson. Nephews Tom Lumsden, George Lumsden, Brent Cranwill, Dean Cranwill and families.

Doreen was born in Winnipeg and lived her life there attending Earl Grey and Kelvin High schools, followed by Success Business College where she earned top honors in her education. She was an administrative secretary holding several progressive roles in the insurance business, Century Oils and the Royal Bank of Canada. She volunteered for Heart and Stroke Foundation, CancerCare, Riverview Health Center, Jets charity golf tournaments and Kirchoff Gardens library.

Doreen was a loving and devoted daughter, wife and mother dedicated to helping her family in all their needs. She supported her children in their many activities including hockey, baton, soccer, piano swimming and school sports, never missing a game, tournament or recital. She was a talented seamstress and created many beautiful costumes for many of these activities. She put her excellent administrative and language skills to work helping correct and type her children’s projects and papers into the wee hours of many mornings to help them meet deadlines.

In her younger days, Doreen spent time at the race track with her family learning to ride and to love horses. She was a dancer performing at the Playhouse Theatre and performed with choirs in several musicals and in the Winnipeg Music Festival. She was also accomplished at track and field and bowling, winning several events and trophies. Later on, she learned to golf and enjoyed her time at the Winnipeg Canoe Club and Niakwa Golf and Country Club, accomplishing a Hole In One in 1980, along with winning several prizes in local CPGA tournaments .

Mom had a love for cards and was active in several bridge clubs throughout her life. She shared this love with her children which lead to many cherished moments and family times, right up to her last days. Her skill and luck left us all in awe.

Prior to and during retirement, Harry and Doreen took several trips to Europe, Barbados, Maui, and wintered in Florida, Arizona and Texas. Many of these wonderful trips were experienced with Harry’s twin brother Bill and wife Irene, who they also enjoyed golf with and hosted many memorable family events together.

Mom loved dogs and they were a part of her life from the time she was a child right to her last days as she enjoyed her children’s pets. She was a very social gal with so many friends, with whom she loved to share her stories and hear theirs. She had a great sense of humour and loved a good joke.

We would like to thank the many caregivers that helped mom and our family in the last stretch of her life. We are grateful to all of you for the comfort and kindness provided. Mom is loved and will be missed by many.

As per Doreen’s wishes, cremation has taken place. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to one's charity of choice.

Softly the leaves of memory fall, gently we gather and treasure them. All unseen, unheard, she is ever near. Still loved, still missed, still very dear . Please God, forgive a silent tear and a constant wish that she were here. Others are taken, yes we know, but she was ours and we miss her so.

A Celebration of Life will be held Thursday October 8th at 2:00 pm. Thomson in the Park , 1291 McGillvary , Winnipeg.