ELCHUK - Doreen Frances (Eden)
Born August 21, 1925, passed on July 1, 2008 surrounded by her family.
Cherished wife of George, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on June 4th. She is lovingly remembered by sons Ken and Allan, their wives Lesley and Geri, grandchildren Michelle (Ray), Michael (Lisa), David, and Kerrie (Anton), and her six great grand-children, Justin, Kayla, Chris, Charlie, Sammi and Andie.
Born in Ashcroft, B.C. Mom grew up in the west end of Vancouver, going to Lord Roberts Elemenetary and King George High School. It was in Vancouver that she met George and together they created a life for themselves, living in Vancouver, San Mateo (California), Aldergrove, White Rock, and South Surrey. In the early 60's they built a cabin at Sheridan Lake and spent many of their happiest times there.
Doreen was always Dodie to George, Mom to Ken and Al and Nanny to her family. She lived her life with gentle kindness, positiveness and a sense of humour that left even the most casual acquaintance remarking ``she's just the nicest person''.
Mom's greatest legacy will always be her unconditional love of family. She was fiercely protective of us all.
Mom truly had a wicked sense of humour. To the end she was the master of puns. Tucked in with her final arrangement papers for all to see, a calender page cut-out:
He: When you're in your casket, what would you like your friends to say over you?
She: Look, she's moving!!
Mom was always an avid reader, and would have been a great writer. As it turned out, she wrote the best story ever for herself, George, her family, friends and everyone she met.
Thank you to the wonderful team on the Peace Arch Palliative Care floor for their compassion, and to Dr. Raffle and Cheryl for their ongoing care.
No service by request. In her memory, gather together your loved ones and enjoy a homecooked dinner, a glass of wine, and at least 6 desserts!!
A family Ukrainian dinner will be held in August to celebrate her birthday and her life. As she requested, there will be ``no tears - but lotsa laughs''
Dodie, Mom, Nanny will forever be in our hearts and forever 39.