Doreen Gwendeline (Templeton) Duncan

            Doreen was the first born to Earl and Louise Templeton on December 8, 1930 in Winnipeg MB. She was followed by three siblings. They were raised on a farm in Austin, Manitoba, where Doreen would meet a handsome but skinny neighbour boy who she would much later marry.

            As Doreen was growing up the Headmaster wanted her to become a teacher, however her goal was to become a nurse, she enrolled in nurses training in Portage La Prairie. In May of 1952, Doreen graduated with Honours and proceeded to work all across the country. During her nursing career she worked with polio patients in iron lungs, helped to deliver and care for hundreds of babies, she was the head nurse and supervisor in many wards. Doreen finished her career as the Staff Development Co-ordinator where she was instrumental in the development of programs and clinics such as the diabetes clinic, education of HIV protocols and infection control.

            In her retirement, Doreen developed and taught courses at KCC for Health Care Aides as well as Medical Terminology. During her accomplished nursing career, she touched the lives of many patients and colleagues. She also kept an eye on things by volunteering with the Ladies Auxiliary at The Pas Health Complex.

            Doreen had many suitors, however chose to marry Colin Duncan on September 28, 1957. They welcomed four children and eventually settled in The Pas, Manitoba.

            Colin and Doreen built their lives, several homes and a cottage in The Pas and at Rocky Lake where she was a member and hosted numerous activities with the Rocky Lake Red Hots (Red Hat Society). They were both involved in the community and enjoyed all that The Pas had to offer. Doreen enjoyed gardening, music and playing the organ, dancing, entertaining and playing cards, reading, traveling, spending time with her family, and tending to her pets.

            Doreen passed away with her family by her side, Tuesday, October 8, 2019, at the Flin Flon General Hospital, after a very brief illness and was 88 years young.

            Doreen is survived by a close knit family including siblings Connie (Stan) and Ron (Joan); children Richard (Gail), Denise (Stuart), Cheryl (Dave), Scott (Kym); and grandchildren Heather, Ryan, Jonathan, Rachael, Tyler, Tess, Izzy and Madelaine; great grandchildren’s lives were also enriched by B-Nanna including Brodie, Emily, Colin, Blake and Sierra.

            All have many fond memories and stories of a woman who lived with a positive attitude and zest for life.

            In keeping with family wishes, cremation took place and a service of remembrance to celebrate Doreen’s life was held Saturday, October 12, 2019, 11:00 am, at Christ Church Anglican, The Pas, Manitoba, with Rev. Dr. Rebecca Graham presiding.  Memories of the heart were shared by Denise Duncan, Cherylyn Antymniuk, Rachel Antymniuk and Heather Perchaluk.  A reception followed at Christ Church Parish Hall.

               A private family interment will be held at a later date in Austin, Manitoba.

            In lieu of flowers, donations to The Pas Health Complex Hospital Auxiliary, c/o Box 240, The Pas, Manitoba, R9A 1K4, would be appreciated by Doreen’s family.