Doreen was born on July 9, 1924 to Eva Marie Aston (Wigmore), and William Edward Wigmore at Port Arthur, Ontario. Doreen was the oldest daughter and sister to William Wigmore, and Joan Wigmore. Doreen graduated from high school at a young age (I believe she was 15) and after graduating from the Lakehead University she pursued her career in accounting.
Doreen served in the Canadian Navy from December 12, 1944 to May 3, 1946 with the rank of Wren Writer (GD). After discharge, she worked for many years at the Canadian Pacific Railway. (C.P.R.) Norman Wray Blanchard, son of Mr. and Mrs. George Blanchard asked Doreen for her hand in marriage with the wedding to take place on June 25, 1955 at Port Arthur, Ontario (now Thunder Bay). Eventually the couple moved out west to Lloydminster, Alberta. It was there they began the adoption process. They then moved to Calgary with their young newly adopted son David George William Blanchard, and adopted daughter Eva-Lynne Winnifred Blanchard. Doreen enjoyed many years at Associated Grocers in the accounting department, then semi-retired doing odd jobs here and there to keep busy.
In 2005, Doreen was widowed after 50 years of marriage.
She enjoyed keeping busy and active so she spent many hours with her grown children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She also decided to start traveling with her son to Egypt, London, Europe and many other places around the World. There were also many camping trips, family gatherings, and parties making so many wonderful memories for all involved.
Doreen was a kind and gentle spirit, always forgiving, always loving, and never judgmental. She was the consummate caregiver. For much of her teens she cared for her ailing mother. Then as primary care giver for her husband who was ill for a large number of his later years. She was, of course, mom to her children. The fact that both her children were adopted had no bearing on the care and love she had for them. We were her kids.
She was independent quite late into her years. She lived on her own after Wray passed first in Calgary then out in Beiseker near her son. It was only after it became too much to handle that she moved to Langdon and in with her daughter. She spent 11 years in Langdon with her daughter before finding a space at St. Theresa’s Place Care facility. Although the body was failing, Doreen was always sharp, of sound mind and happy to chat with anyone.
There are simply no words to express how much she was loved and how much she will be missed.
Doreen was predeceased by (Norman) Wray Blanchard, her brother William (Bill) and sister Joan. She is survived by her son David George William Blanchard and his partner Anna-Marie Harty and her daughter Eva-Lynne Winifred Blanchard and her partner Mark Westerhoud; grandchildren Aaron Blanchard and his partner Danielle Clayton, Ryan Blanchard and wife Ali Obreiter (Blanchard), Jacob Baulackey, Holli Baulackey, Marisa Rae Westerhoud (fiancé) Pedro Hernandez, and Logan Westerhoud; and great-grandchildren Alexzander Blanchard, Zaylee Blanchard, and Jace Hernandez.
A Celebration of Doreen's Life will be held at the family residence in Langdon on Saturday, January 4, 2020 at 2:00 p.m. This event is an open house, come for a short visit or stay for a while.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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