Doreen Mahaffey passed away peacefully the morning of August 23, 2020. Mom was a woman determined to have a career and independence at a time when that was relatively difficult to do, with no funds and little social encouragement. She completed high school early and, at sixteen, entered nursing training at Edmonton General. She graduated as a member of the Victorian Order of Nurses and continued to pursue her career. She married her husband, Boyd, in 1961 and together they built a life based on hard work, caring and loyalty.
Mom never forgot those who helped her on her path. Throughout her life she stood ready to give back. She was a woman who freely volunteered her time and who believed that any job worth doing was worth doing to the best of her ability. She loved to spend time with her nieces and nephews and derived great enjoyment from giving her family gifts. She nursed her sister Gertrude and nephew Kevin, and later her husband, through their final illnesses and always did what she could to help her family.
Oma’s grandchildren will remember a lady with a beautiful smile, who was always ready to snuggle or play tag with them. Her children remember a woman who loved to walk and found it impossible to pass a playground without trying out the swing set, and who absolutely knew the importance of ice cream. In her last years, we witnessed with full hearts how hard she tried to stay with us. She is and always will be our hero.
Doreen is survived by her daughters, Corinne (James) and Adrienne (Chris), and her much loved grandchildren Ian, Keegan and Rowaen. She was predeceased by her beloved husband and by her older siblings Gus Ratke, Lily Tober, Ida Henkelmann, Alice Saar, Elsie Saar, Herdwick Ratke, Edwin Ratke, Allen Ratke and Gertrude Hall, as well as other members of her large extended family, and many friends.
The family thanks Pastor Matt for his visits and the staff of Alberta Health Services, Points West Wetaskiwin and Wetaskiwin Hospital. Special thanks go to Theresa at Ladybug Services, to Melvin and Donna Henkelmann, to palliative volunteer Jessica Johnson and also to Stephanie at the Alzheimer’s Society in Edmonton. Thanks also go to Senior Homecare by Angels and to Dr. Jeffery for their thoughtful care. You supported us as our family commenced Mom’s last and most difficult journey, and we will remember you.
In memory of Mom, we would ask that you take a day to give back as she did through volunteering, to call on someone who needs company, or to commit a random act of kindness in her name. In lieu of flowers or other tributes we ask that donations be made in Mom’s memory to the Alzheimer’s Society or the Canadian Cancer Society.
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