Doreen Annette Reimer

Doreen Reimer (nee Coates)

1929-2023

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Doreen Reimer, loving wife of John Reimer, at the age of 94 on October 24, 2023, at home, with loved ones by her side. Doreen will be remembered lovingly by her husband, John, children Blaine (Debra) Reimer, Kim (Leah) Reimer, Joy Reimer, and Michele Kulas, grandchildren Jennifer (David) Ferreira, David (Michelle) Reimer, Andrew (Jade) Reimer, Christian Kulas, Andrew (Taeva) Kulas, Claire Reimer, and Matthew Reimer, great-grandchildren Abby Ferreira, Madelyn Ferreira, Sadie Reimer, Emily Reimer, Adam Reimer, Jaxson Reimer, and Hunter Reimer. Doreen was predeceased by her father, William Robert (Rob) Coates, and her mother, Alice Mae Coates (Kirkup).

Doreen was born on July 8, 1929, in Melita MB, the only child of Mae and Rob. She went to school in Melita and graduated grade 12. After graduation, she attended Normal School on Shaftesbury Blvd (now the Mennonite University) to qualify as a teacher. She taught for a year in a one-room schoolhouse at Belfry, MB, just west of Melita. Subsequently, Doreen worked at the Beaver Lumber Hardware store in Melita.

Doreen did not have an easy life in her teen years. The Second World War was raging on. Her father, Rob, joined the Winnipeg Grenadiers and was captured by the Japanese on Christmas Day 1941. She and her mom, Mae, struggled during the time that Rob was a prisoner of war. He returned home in 1945. It was a happy occasion, however, her father suffered from PTSD.

In 1948, while working at the Beaver Lumber Hardware store, Doreen was introduced by her boss to John, who worked at the Beaver Lumber Lumberyard location. Doreen and John were married October 20, 1949. This started a relationship of 74 years. Doreen and John lived in numerous places throughout their marriage – Rosenfeld, Winnipeg, Cornwall Ontario, and then back to Winnipeg.

Doreen loved music, singing and dancing. She very seldom missed a dance in the Melita area, if she could get a ride. In Cornwall, she joined the local community theater appearing in productions of Brigadoon and Mame. She had a lovely singing voice and sang at talent shows on several cruises. She had a great sense of humour and a beautiful, musical laugh.

Doreen also loved playing card games, especially with her grandchildren. She belonged to several bridge clubs in Cornwall and Winnipeg where she made many friends. She was also a member of Southwood Golf and Country Club (the Niners) where she enjoyed playing golf and once again making many friends.

Doreen provided a loving, stable, and happy home for her family. John often said that Doreen was the “glue” that held the family together. Birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays were always reasons to celebrate. She was very proud of her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She enjoyed following all their activities, encouraging their studies, and helping them grow into the thoughtful and compassionate people they are today.

Doreen and John enjoyed many summers at their cottage on Big Duck Island in Lake of the Woods. They also travelled extensively to Europe, Australia, the Caribbean, and enjoyed spending winters in San Diego. They made many lifelong friends wherever they went.

A memorial service to celebrate Doreen’s life will be held at 2:00 pm on Sunday, November 5, 2023, at Thomson “In the Park”, 1291 McGillivray Blvd, Winnipeg, MB, with a reception to follow. A private family interment will take place at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Doreen’s memory to the Alzheimer's Society of Manitoba.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Reimer family.