Dureen Frances Zeller (nee Stephenson), beloved wife and partner of 40 years to Rolf Zeller, passed away peacefully on June 28, 2019 at Heritage Village Care Home in Chilliwack, B.C., surrounded by family.
Dureen was born on June 6, 1930 in Ville St. Laurent, Quebec, to Joseph and Hildred Stephenson. The youngest of three children, she was predeceased by Barbara (2014) and Robert (1944).
Growing up in the Montreal area, Dureen met and married Ken Crawshaw. Together, they raised two girls, Susan (Grant) and Karen (Craig). In 1978 the family moved to Richmond, B.C.
Dureen later met and married Rolf. Together they travelled extensively, participated in the Alpen Club activities and Lyra Choir and spent many winters in Arizona. They also wrote a book recounting Rolf’s adventures in his move to Canada from Germany as a young man.
Dureen was a kind and loving mother, always had a ready smile for friends, family and strangers alike, was caring and compassionate. She had an excellent sense of humour and an ability to make anyone feel at home.
Following her recovery from Leukemia in 1999, Dureen volunteered at the Cancer Society. Never one to sit still, she participated in many community organizations and clubs, spent time helping friends any way she could. She loved cooking and entertaining and often had friends over for an impromptu meal. It seemed she could make a gourmet meal out of thin air.
Dureen leaves to grieve her beloved husband Rolf, who took exceptional care of her in her last 5 years, ensuring she received the best care, her daughters Susan (Grant) and Karen (Craig) and grandchildren Robert and Elizabeth.
A celebration of life will be held in Chilliwack on July 12th at 1:00 pm at Elmwood Terrace, 8725 Elmwood Dr., Chilliwack.
A Vancouver celebration of life will be held on Tuesday, July 16, at 1:00 pm at the Alpen Club, 4875 Victoria Drive, Vancouver.
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