Doreen Hunter

Eshkwe’Binesiik

Mooz dodem’

It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our dear Doreen Hunter peacefully with her lifelong sweetheart by her side at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital.

Doreen was predeceased by her son, Jeff Hunter Sr., her parents; Bert and Jeanette Greene; brothers Jim, Brian and Graham. Auntie Ella Green and cousin/sister Vera Sewell. In-laws Olive Cameron and Dennis Hunter, Alfred Sinclair, Rose Greene, Jessie Jamieson, Florence Cameron, Yolanda Rose Diaz-Lopez, Juliet Cameron, Flora Cameron, Gilbert Hunter and Adolphus Cameron.

She is survived by her husband Dan Hunter of 55 years, children Marilyn (Ross), Dennis (Katelynn), Tamara (Brennan); grandchildren Zachary, Derek, Shane, Shayla, Jeffrey and Kayleb. Siblings Don, Stella, Pat, Jennie, Fraser, Sharon (Victor), Warren, Margaret, Gloria (Gus), Angie and Cindy. She is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, as well as grand nieces and grand nephews on both sides of the family. Doreen always cherished friendship. We would also like to acknowledge the countless friendships she made throughout her life.

Doreen was born on April 19, 1952 and grew up in Shoal Lake, Ontario. She attended high school in Kenora, Ontario and later attended Lakehead University where she graduated with a Native Language Teacher’s diploma, their group was the first graduating class. She and her sister-in-law Pat, later went on to earn their Teacher’s diplomas at Nipissing University. Doreen returned home and worked at both Shoal Lake 39 & 40 community schools where she loved working with all of the children. She also truly enjoyed the lifelong friendships she made with co-workers over the years.

Doreen especially loved cheering on family and friends as they played slo-pitch and hockey in and around the Kenora area. She truly loved being at the ball games watching the men and women play ball, and seeing all the familiar faces in the stands as well. She also enjoyed travelling with her partner to various international hockey tournaments, when Dan played hockey with the South East Oldtimers Hockey Club.

Dan would like to acknowledge Zachery Hunter-Tom, Dennis’ son and Dan and Doreen’s grandson, who immediately moved home to help his Kookum and Papa out in a traditional way, when his Kookum found out she was diagnosed with cancer. Zach has stayed by his grand-parents side to help around the house and with the family business. And during that time, he surprised his Kookum by registering for a two year college program, which he completed with a GPA of 4.0, while still meeting his traditional responsibilities of caring for and helping his grand-parents.

Dan would also like to acknowledge JoJo Roy, who was always checking on them after Jeff Sr. had passed on. And also, Philip Kent and Gladys, Herb and Sheila, Shish Fisher, Kamala, Dave Crow, Joven Skead and Robert “Chops” and Joanne, and all of Jeff’s teammates and friends in a good way. Dan also extends a heartfelt meegwetch to Jack and Nick, lifelong friends to both Dan and Doreen, who made sure to visit Doreen regularly.

The family would like to say chi-meegwetch to Dr. Laurel Snyder, for her genuine heartfelt care for Doreen and our entire family. We would also like to say chi-meegwetch to Dr. Haggerty, Dr. Abraham and all of the staff at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital. Chi-meegwetch to all of the WNHAC and LWDH staff, who we all know cared deeply for mom.

The family would like to thank the team that helped mom recover from her initial surgery complications, you showed such compassion and care. You will never be forgotten and have been and always will be in our prayers, along with your families as well, in a good way. Chi-meegwetch to Dr. Lou Swancar, for her friendship and loving care of mom as well. Dan extends a heartfelt chi-meegwetch to Wabaseemoong and Iskatewizaagegan #39 for their generous support.

We would like to remember Doreen for her humour, she was still joking and giggling right up until her last days. We will forever remember her this way. Despite her diagnosis, Doreen chose to maintain and live life in a positive way. She was gentle, kind, generous and nurturing. Those who had the pleasure of knowing Doreen were truly blessed. And she herself was also blessed knowing all of you.

Wake services will take place on Thursday, January 2, 2025 at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre from 9:00am-5:00pm with traditional service on Friday January 3, 2025 at 10:00am at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, with interment to follow at the Lake of the Woods Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Derek Lemke, Shane Lemke, Brennan Guay, Kyler Greene, Spencer Packo and Jakson Crow-Green. Honorary Pallbearers will be Jack Martin, Nick VanderZan, Miah Gardner, Casey Gardner and Sage McDonald.