After numerous battles with her health, in which she raged against the dying of the light, mom finally succumbed on March 17, 2018, at the age of 87, surrounded by family at the Grace General Hospital.

 

Doreen was predeceased by her husband, Claude. She is survived by her son Richard Gagnon (Brenda); daughters Charlene Powell and Claudia Gagnon; grandchildren Andrea Di Ubaldo (Matt); Jordan Powell, Alex Chizda (Jared); Spencer Gagnon, Sabrina Gagnon, Desiree Gagnon, Esteban Gagnon, Duncan Gagnon, and Jessica Friesen; great-grandson Jacob Gagnon; and numerous nieces and nephews.

 

Mom was born on January 11, 1931, at Selkirk General Hospital and spent her childhood in Clandeboye. Growing up with three brothers, she had to be a rough and tumble gal. During WWII, her family moved to Winnipeg and she became a true urban fashionista.

​

She was a strikingly attractive woman who caught the eye of her future husband, Claude, at Laverendrye Park. They married and raised three children in the community of Norwood. Mom was not only a caregiver to her family, but she was also a dedicated nursing assistant at the St. Boniface Hospital for over 30 years.

​

Her love of travel ensured that her family spent every summer on road trips that included most of Canada and the U.S.. Mom had a curious mind, and an adventurous spirit and this, in turn, influenced her children and grandchildren. A domestic goddess she was not, another trait she passed on to her two daughters!

​

At 57, Mom suffered a major heart attack requiring open heart surgery. Her surgeon gave her a 10-year life expectancy. She fooled them all and lived another 30 years!

​

Mom continued to raise children with the arrival of her grandchildren and great grandson. This kept her eternally young. While she was comfortable with all age groups, she loved hanging out with the young folk most. Indeed, her musical interests ranged from Puccini to Jolson to Post Malone.

​

She was loved and will be missed.

​

A celebration of her life will be held from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. Saturday, March 24, 2018 at 603 Wellington Crescent at Academy Road (the First Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg).