Doreen Olive Stapleton

She was predeceased by her daughter Leah Stapleton, her parents Blanche and Oran English, her first husband Lee Stapleton, her nephew Dallas Rose and her son-in-law Dana McCallum.

Doreen is survived by her husband Bill Chambers and his family as well as her daughters: Jen Avaz, Pam McCallum, and Maria Stapleton (Michael Lea); Grandchildren: Jenna (Warren), Thomas (Amanda), Josh (Carrie), Rosemary, and Jasper; Great-grandchildren: Cheyanne, Adalynn (Addy), Caleb, Noah and Gavin; As well as her sister Shirley (Malcolm) Rose, and nephew Shawn (Christine) Rose and their families.

Born and raised in the Newdale, Manitoba area, Doreen cherished growing up surrounded by her large extended family. After graduating, she completed lab technician training in Edmonton before settling in Calgary where she quickly found a well-loved work community at the Canadian Red Cross. She soon married Harvey “Lee” Stapleton and began to juggle working and raising kids. They also offered a welcoming home away from home to many boarders from around the globe who became like family. Years later, upon returning to Manitoba, she became known as the beloved “Mrs. S” at Minnedosa’s Tanner's Crossing School in her role as a teaching assistant. She always treasured her memories of the Tanner’s staff and her students.

In her retirement years, Doreen returned to Calgary to marry her second husband, Bill Chambers. They had many travel adventures, making friends wherever they went, with Portugal being their favourite and near to their hearts.

A life-long lover of the arts, Doreen was active in the choirs of both St. Matthew’s United Church in Calgary and the Minnedosa United Church in Manitoba, relishing the music and friendships she made in both. Beyond music, she had the time in her later years to return to the sports of her youth, cheering on her beloved Blue Jays (Go Vladdy!) and curling favourites (SWEEP!).

A special thank you to the staff and residents at Wentworth Manor in Calgary where Doreen found such a warm and welcoming community in the last two years of her life.

Her friends will remember Doreen tootling around in her little Triumph sports car with her long hair flying out behind her. Or the passionate debates she would get into over the latest book on world politics she was reading. Many have fond (but fuzzy) memories of Mom’s potent Rum Balls and Christmas Cake. While many family members still laugh about Aunt Dee Dee’s crazy driving antics and fondly remember Nana’s cuddles. Doreen will be lovingly remembered for her stories, her sparkle and her laughter.

A celebration of life service will be held later in the summer in Manitoba.

If you wish to honour Doreen’s memory, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Heart Beats Children’s Society of Calgary (heartbeats.ca) or the Canadian Red Cross (redcross.ca).