Doreen Sisson

Born Ruth Doreen Young in Saskatoon as the only child to Gladys Taylor and Ben Young. She graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a bachelor’s degree in commerce in 1948. There she met Hal Sisson, who was a law student returned after being in the air force. They were married in 1952 and moved to Peace River, Alberta in 1953 where he practiced law until 1997. Doreen worked part-time as an accountant at Riverdrive Motors and served on the School Board for many years. She showed a lot of initiative in her life, a quality she also admired in others. She was a member of the Kinette club and a key player in establishing the Tennis Club and Peace Players. She appeared in many productions of the comedy revue Sorry ‘Bout That and a number of musicals. They moved to Victoria, BC part time in 1985 and later full time in 1993. In Victoria, she continued to play tennis for a total of 70 years, volunteered as a docent at Craigdarroch Castle, was an usher at Langham Court Theatre and a member of the Victoria YMCA like her father before her.

She was predeceased by her husband in 2009 and later companion Meryl Guttormsen in 2021, after which she moved to Coquitlam from Victoria. She is survived by her daughter Lindy Sisson, and grandchildren Jeremy Paddon and Cydney (husband Costa Shabalala). Her son Ted Sisson remained in Peace River along with her grandson Corey Gair (Nathanial, Vada, Stirling, Emery), and living in Edson her grandaughter Rachel Ripkins (Curtis and Jasper).

Some of her favourite things included the colour green, dogs, the wind on her face, travelling, reading, playing bridge, other card games and scrabble and of course going to the theatre, jazz concerts and swing dancing. Doreen left this world by choice through the services of MAID at the age of 96 at her independent living residence the Belvedere. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends.

Memorial remembrances will be held in private at family locations. Flowers are welcome (@1961 Orland Drive, Coqutilam). Donations may be made to your local mental health services or the BC Mental Health Foundation.