Doreen Violet Dancyt (Nee Drawson)

1926 ~ 2023

Doreen peacefully passed away at the age of 97 on December 22, 2023 surrounded by the love of her family.  We know that she was welcomed into the loving arms of her dear Arvid whom she missed so much.  Her memory will be forever cherished by her children Carol Kabaluk (Dennis), Norm Dancyt and Karen David (Laurent). 

To quote Mom: “Life has been good!! I had a loving husband, three beautiful kids and have lived long enough to see my grandchildren raise their kids.”  She had a happy heart, a sparkling smile and endless patience making her the best wife, mother, grandparent, daughter, sister, and friend.

Mom was so proud of her grandchildren, Craig Kabaluk (Toni), Lisa Sagel (Lincoln), Lucas David (Stef, Owen and Aubree), Kieran David, Cale David (Karley) and Megan Stephenson (Matthew).  More joy filled her life with the arrivals of her great-grandchildren, Hannah and Jack, Carter and Will, Riley and Tyler, Chase, Olivia and Jake. Nothing would make her happier than to have them drop in for a visit, especially if they shared a problem with her.  Nana was a world class problem solver!

Doreen was predeceased by Arvid, her beloved husband of 68 years, her parents Alfred and Elvira Drawson, brother Donald, in-laws Alex and Alvina Dancyt, and her brother-in-law Herb. She will be missed by her sister-in-law and dear friend Betty, nephews Curtis (Connie), Calvin (Karen), and niece and goddaughter Corinne (Glenn) and their families.  She is also survived by her sister-in-law Virginia Drawson.

Mom was born on February 6, 1926 and raised in Winnipeg’s North End.  She was a life-long learner – graduating from St. John’s Tech, Business College and upgrading her office skills throughout her working life.  She began her career as a book keeper with the Manitoba Telephone system and retired as the Office Manager of the Lac du Bonnet Health Center. At 56 she signed up for Driver’s Ed and got her license on her first try!  Mom met her Arvid early in life as their families were a part of the Latvian community and they began dating after the war.  Marrying in 1947, this city girl went on a great adventure with her aircraft mechanic husband, living in a tent on Forestry Island in Norway House during their first few summers. It was hard to believe that our master chef mother couldn’t even boil water when she married! Mom was very active in the Lac du Bonnet community and so proud of her town!  She was a Life Member of the Legion Ladies Auxiliary #164, a devoted parishioner of the St. John’s Anglican Church, a member of the Lac du Bonnet Curling Club, Eastern Star, the Pioneer Club and volunteer cook for the Adult Day Program.  She devoted her retirement years to caring for her dear mother, babysitting her grandchildren and traveling to warmer climates with Arv.  They were loyal fans of the Bombers and Jets and cheered on their grandchildren during their activities.  Their door was always open to family, friends, and neighbours looking for good conversation and a beverage.

The family would like to thank the kind and patient staff at the Lac du Bonnet Personal Care Home for the tender loving care they showed Mom over the past few months.  She really enjoyed being a part of the Ironwood Assisted Living community in Pinawa for 2 years prior to that.  Our heartfelt thanks to Dr. Bruneau, Dr. Papetti, and Lisa Kroeker and all the Lac du Bonnet Medical Clinic staff for the excellent care they gave Mom and for always supporting our family.  A big thank you to Clive and the Daley Pharmacy Staff for their understanding and support.

A Celebration of Doreen’s Life will be held in the summer.  If so inclined, donations in her memory can be made to the Lac du Bonnet and District Charitable Foundation (Box 744 Lac du Bonnet, MB R0E 1A0) or the charity of your choice.

www.soberingfuneralchapel.com

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