Doreen Shirley Sleeme

It is with deep love and gratitude for a life beautifully lived that we remember Doreen Shirley Sleeme, born on December 21, 1950, in Kingston, Ontario. Doreen passed away surrounded by the love of family and friends whose lives she touched so profoundly through her kindness, compassion, creativity, and unwavering belief in the goodness of people.

Doreen is survived by her devoted husband, Charles Mitchell Sleeme; her beloved children, Amy Doreen Darling (Douthirt) and Eric Michael Douthirt; and her cherished grandsons, Ayden Michael Darling, Kellen Joseph Darling, Greyson Nicholas Douthirt, Henry Louis Douthirt, and Rowan Michael Douthirt. She is also lovingly remembered by her sisters, Pam and Pat, and was preceded in death by her parents, Terry and Joan Horrocks.

Doreen lived her life as a true free spirit. She carried the ideals of peace, love, and community that defined the flower-power generation of the 1960s throughout her entire life. Passionate, thoughtful, and deeply engaged with the world around her, she never stopped pursuing the causes, people, and creative endeavors that mattered most to her.

From a young age, Doreen dreamed of leaving a positive mark on the world. In her early adulthood, she joined CUSO, the Canadian equivalent of the Peace Corps, traveled extensively throughout the United States, attended the original Woodstock, and participated in political protests advocating for equality, justice, and the well-being of others. Her commitment to making the world a better place was not just an ideal—it was a way of life.

An accomplished visual artist, Doreen devoted much of her adult life to creating beauty through her work. Art was not merely a hobby but an expression of her spirit and her perspective on the world. When a stroke in 2020 made painting difficult, she met the challenge with characteristic determination and resilience. Through perseverance, she regained much of her ability and continued creating. Even during her most recent health struggles, when she faced significant physical limitations, she found joy in painting alongside her daughter Amy, whose support helped keep that creative spark alive.

Family was the center of Doreen’s world. Her proudest accomplishments were raising two remarkable children and watching her grandsons grow into young men. She loved deeply and unconditionally, and she treasured every opportunity to gather with family and friends. An extrovert by nature, she delighted in meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and the simple joy of being surrounded by those she loved.

Doreen’s laughter was one of her most endearing qualities. While her children and grandchildren brought her endless joy, she had a special gift for laughing at herself. Whether a carefully chosen outfit was unexpectedly stained during dinner or she discovered she had been singing the wrong lyrics to a favorite song for years, she could always find humor in life’s imperfections. Her infectious laughter often became full belly laughs accompanied by tears of joy. This gift of humility and humor lives on in her children, who learned from her not to take life too seriously and to embrace being the punchline every now and then.

She found happiness in many simple pleasures. The music of Carly Simon and James Taylor filled her home, and folk music always held a special place in her heart. Autumn was her favorite season, and she embraced it wholeheartedly. The rich colors of fall brought her immense joy, and few could match the warmth, beauty, and enthusiasm she brought to decorating her home each year. The arrival of autumn never failed to put a genuine smile on her face.

Above all else, Doreen wanted to be remembered as someone who left a positive mark on the lives of others. Through her empathy, generosity, authenticity, and love, she achieved exactly that. She showed those around her that kindness is always a choice and that there is never an excuse not to be kind. Her legacy lives on in the countless lives she touched, the family she adored, the art she created, and the example she set every day.

Though she will be deeply missed, Doreen’s spirit remains present in every act of kindness, every burst of laughter, every autumn leaf, and every moment spent creating beauty in the world. Her life was a testament to love, resilience, and compassion, and her memory will forever be treasured by all who knew and loved her.

"If there is one lesson Doreen hoped to leave behind, it is simply this: there is no excuse not to be kind."

A Celebration of Life will be held for Doreen on June 13, 2026 at 10:30 am at Sylvan Abbey Funeral Home, 2853 Sunset Point Rd. Clearwater, FL 33759.

The family kindly asks to use the link below to RSVP: https://forms.gle/xnoKCtTEJoAckX5N6