Pearl Marjorie Doak (nee Keam)

She leaves her husband Clifford, daughters Sandy, Maureen, Judi, and Heather, as well as Audrey (Gerald), who held a special place in her heart, and her beloved grandchildren Shawn (Melissa), Brian (Shahani), Michael, Christie, Taylor, Tonii, and Tyra. Pearl was additionally fortunate to have great grandchildren in Kiera, Tylan, Lauren, Ava, and her newest joy, Amaiah. Also left are her sister Violet, brother- in-law Bob, sister-in-law Darlene, niece Diane (Darren), nephew Derek, great niece Morgan, and great nephew Brock, all of whom she loved to visit. She was predeceased by her parents, brother and sister.

Born in Rosewood, Manitoba on June 4, 1932 to William and Katherine Keam, she shared her parents and her childhood with her older brother Gordon and younger sisters, Myrtle and Violet. Her early years were spent contributing to life on the farm and attending school in Lorette.

At 17, Pearl moved to her grandparent’s home in Winnipeg, and began an employment path that included book binding, candy making, decorating and eventually a career as a telephone operator for Manitoba Telephone Systems. Life was full on Maryland Street with her sisters and friends, but fate ensured an addition! It was during this time that she met her future husband, Clifford. They married on April 24th, 1957 and began an adventure that was to last 67 years.

As a military wife, Pearl made her home in both Canada and Europe. During their initial posting in Winnipeg, their first daughter was born. A four year posting in Germany yielded daughters two and three, with their fourth daughter (whew!) arriving when they were once again home in Winnipeg. She embraced living overseas, where she and Cliff explored Europe as a family. Once they returned to Canada, Saturday trips home to see parents or siblings were a regular occurrence. 1971 included another move to a small radar station in Beausejour, where she continued to raise her young family. During these years she and Cliff operated the base “snack bar”, and fully engaged in all community events from bonspiels and marathons to dances and celebrations. She loved to walk with friends, and routinely made the 4 km route to the main road and back. Camping and road trips to both the east and west of Winnipeg were not unusual, and these trips continued with their final posting in Chilliwack, BC. Regardless of her expanded family, Pearl had boundless energy. She worked full time as a civilian on the base, and made these journeys even after their daughters had grown (and especially with the arrival of her grandchildren!), always with the goal of seeing friends or family.

Upon retiring, Pearl was able to pursue many of her hobbies she so enjoyed on a full time basis. She took great pleasure in reading and gardening, and loved the challenge of getting a poinsettia to bloom year after year! Her children and grandchildren enjoyed knitted blankets and handmade Christmas décor. She channelled her sewing skills for dance costumes and dresses for her daughters to receiving blankets and RV curtains. She happily created visual masterpieces for potluck dinners at church. She passionately indulged in home cooked meals, which she doled out freely to any and all who might walk in the door. The pantry was always stocked, the freezer always full, and nobody invited for dinner ever left feeling hungry!

Her greatest joy, however, were the people who were nearest and dearest to her…her family, and people who became family through love; friends she cherished for decades, and friends newly discovered. Her home was always opened, no matter what the hour, or how long the visit. She was happiest when it was ringing with boisterous laugher!

As a mother to four daughters, she was skilled at teaching. She was endlessly patient, and gave real responsibility early. She supported any and all learning and encouraged independent thinking. She had great strength of character, was kind and forgiving, hard-working and fair, and passed on those traits by example. She was infinitely positive, regardless of circumstance. Most of all, she taught love and love of family. Pearl was a wonderful mother, and a friend to her daughters when they were grown, creating special relationships with each one.

Her faith in God was unwavering, and she had a lifelong relationship with Him. Regardless of where she was in the world her beliefs were with her.

Pearl’s later years brought many challenges, many more than one life should endure. Yet with each one, she continued to live being kind and with a smile for visitors. Her time here is now over and ninety-two years suddenly seems very short. Her warmth, her laughter, her joyful smile and heartfelt hugs (and for those who knew her best, just a touch of mischievousness!) will be forever and ever missed.

A private family interment will be held July 19th, 2024. A celebration of life is to follow at a later date, through the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Chilliwack, B.C.