OBITUARY
Doreen Edith Petersen
June 4, 1930 – February 16, 2021
“we will miss her sweet radiance, as our dearest Doreen has passed away”
Sadly we announce the passing of Doreen E. Petersen , at age 90 , on February 16, 2021 at the Abbotsford Regional Hospital, Abbotsford, B.C.
Survived by her dear husband Geerling (Jerry) Petersen, her beloved son Daniel Taylor Petersen, her sister Elsie O’Dwyer, her brothers John, Richard and David Day, and many cherished relatives in Canada, US, and UK.
Pre-deceased by her parents Arthur and Chrissie Day, her former spouse Frederick Taylor, her brother Kenneth Day, and sisters Julia Marsh, Eileen Slapsak, and Mary Johnsrude, and many of her former dearest friends.
Doreen lived a full life of many achievements and adventures. Successful from early on in London and Toronto in business accounting, computer methods, and real estate management, she eventually “semi-retired” in B.C. in the field of Financial Advisory Services. The centre of her working life for many years was managing a very successful real estate company, Century 21 Petersen Realty, with her husband Jerry Petersen and her son Dan Petersen in London Ont. She cherished her travels especially in the US and UK where she could renew ancestral links with close family ties, and record them in her family history albums.
“To know her is to love her” is certainly true of Doreen; everyone was special to her, and felt it in her great empathy and generosity, and charm.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Woodlawn Mount Cheam Funeral Home Chilliwack BC. Interment at Valley View Cemetery Surrey BC. Covid restrictions must be observed (maximum total attendance 10 people). In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Chilliwack Free Reformed Church would be appreciated.
A celebration of life may be announced at a later date.
Services
No public services are scheduled at this time. Receive a notification when services are updated.
Memories
Doreen Edith Petersen
have a memory or condolence to add?
ADD A MEMORYSandra Gibson Burney
February 28, 2021
My dear Auntie Do... strength, grace, radiant smiles, loving and lingering hugs... I carry the incredible warmth of her love in my heart and will always be grateful for the ‘girl time’ we shared together. She will be sadly missed.
Mary Mulvihill
February 27, 2021
I remember as a young child, always excited for Aunt Dottie's visits. She had such a glow about her, I always believed she was an angel on earth. Beautiful, inside and out and so full of love and generosity. Always succeeding in making us all feel so special, lifting us up when we needed it most. So consistent in keeping in touch and remembering each special occasion in our lives. What a wonderful legacy to leave all her family! I will be forever grateful that she was such an important and positive impact in my life. We can only hope to emulate her lovely qualities.
Your life was a blessing,
Your memory a treasure,
You are loved beyond words,
And missed beyond measure!
My Love always, Iddy oxoxox Bo and family
Marianne Petersen
February 26, 2021
My memories of my dear sister-in-law were that she was always so gracious, loving and kind. I was sad when Doreen and Gerry moved to B.C. but she never missed a birthday or Christmas without sending lovely cards and sweet notes.
She was always putting others before herself, even when she was not well especially these last few years as she looked after Gerry.
Rest in peace till we meet again Doreen. Love, Marianne
1 Corinthians 15:20 - 23
Michael O'Dwyer
February 26, 2021
When I received word of Dear Auntie Dottie’s transition to eternity, and in the spirit of Lent, I was listening to Tchaikovsky’s Hymn of the Cherubim which is an easily adapted requiem. That God so aligned this sent the message of her divine passage to me, while attaching profound significance to this hymn, henceforth. Furthermore, she had sent a confirmation of her contact address and telephone number to me, at the very end of January. I replied on the seventh of February, requesting a convenient time to call, wishing to hear her gentle, sweet, Grandma-like voice one last time, and to say (rather than write) that I love her. We never know the day or the hour, thus those nine days became eternity. Don’t we walk more lightly and see everything more preciously when we lose such special people in this world? My dear, in Heaven I’ll hear your voice again. In Heaven there are no religious denominations, only pure love. Godspeed…
Michael Arthur O’Dwyer
P.S. We shared a lifelong love of felines, hence the foto of the last Xmas greeting I sent to her. You’re with your beauties, again. Comfort mine until I can be there, too, God willing.
Henk and Helen SCHOLTEN
February 26, 2021
Our sincere condolences with the passing away of our dear Aunt Doreen. She will always be remembered fondly by us all. She was a very caring aunt. So nice we could still visit with Uncle Gerry and Aunt Doreen 4 years ago. From Henk & Helen Scholten, Ontario
Kendra Day
February 25, 2021
Many people have written many touching things about my father’s lovely sister, Doreen. There is not a person about whom they could be more true. She treated us all with abundant love and respect and truly enriched our lives.
Carla Bateman
February 25, 2021
She was a treasure to know and I am so glad I had that privilege.
Jana Jackson
February 24, 2021
Doreen was a gracious and genuinely a beautiful soul. Her kindness and interest in others was simply pure. I had the pleasure of working with Doreen and Jerry at Cascade Manor. What a blessing for all who knew her. My condolences to the family 💗
Wilma Scholten
February 24, 2021
Doreen was a very special sister in law! Although we live miles apart, it was always very special to talk with her over the phone. Our visits to BC were always very enjoyable. We will deeply miss her.
Paul Day
February 23, 2021
Growing up, Aunt Doreen always had a beaming smile, thoughtful questions, compliments, and a sincere interest in my replies. Her abundant kindness and elegance always made an impression on me. Rest in peace, Aunt Doreen.
Brian and Serena Lewis
February 23, 2021
We were so glad to have met Doreen, and Jerry, when we visited our Canadian family. Doreen was so warm and welcoming and we stayed in touch over the years.
We will always remember Doreen with great affection and she will be missed.
David Slater
February 22, 2021
Your gentle soul and kind heart often caused a “glow” to settle upon you.
Your radiant smile and reassuring words of wisdom revealed a depth of character, providing strength, hope and a profound love for so many.
I’m truly grateful and honoured to be your nephew and to hold in my heart of remembrance, the many fond memories shared with you, Aunt Doreen.
I look forward to the other shore where we can walk together, once more...
❤️ David
Dan Day
February 22, 2021
Aunt Doreen is remembered for her bright, welcoming smile and the twinkle in her eyes when family visited. As her nephew, I will always remember the kindness in her eyes and the sincere interest she conveyed when listening to my every little word, no matter my age or topic of “conversation”. I remember fondly too, how Aunt Doreen spoke so positivity about things. That is my remembrance of her: a lovely person who exuded warmth, care, and positivity, with a real gift for making one feel fully seen and heard.
Susan Gibbon
February 19, 2021
Doreen was truly a lovely , kind lady who was a delight to be with