Doreen Mary Louse Avery
1940 - 2021
Doreen Mary Louise Avery late of Estevan, SK passed away on Thursday, September 9, 2021 at St. Joseph’s Special Care Home, Estevan, SK at the age of 80 years.
Doreen was born in October, 1940 in Moose Jaw, SK. to Albert and Rita Spicer who later divorced. Doreen married Walter George Avery, son of Percival and E. Pauline Avery of Marquis, SK, on July 1, 1956.
As a young lady Doreen was an accomplished pianist, a formidable softball catcher and a dedicated sister to her three brothers. She was well suited to the culture of “do it yourself”. Following ten years of married life in Moose Jaw, Doreen, Walt and family moved to Saskatoon for four years then to Estevan in the fall of 1969.
Throughout her lifetime she enjoyed competing with herself and with anyone else that was up for a challenge. Whether she was sewing, knitting, baking bread, buns and pies, canning fruits and vegetables, refinishing antique furniture (including the upholstery), or throwing a curling rock or dealing cards she committed herself to the task at hand often saying “a job worth doing is worth doing well”. She was proud of the life she created with Walt, her husband of 65 years. They enjoyed traveling and camping, attending Major League Baseball games, cruising the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and spending time with grandchildren.
Doreen generously opened her home to those in need of a place to stay and accompanied friends through good times and bad times. Her faith sustained her. She was a 50 year member of St. Paul’s United Church, serving on a variety of committees and providing leadership through changing times. Through her membership in the Order of the Eastern Star she enjoyed more opportunities for friendship and leadership.
Doreen is best described as resolute, generous and loving. Her family and friends will always remember her “can do” spirit as she showed the way to live life in loving service to others and to worthy causes.
Doreen was predeceased by her parents, Albert (Rose) Spicer and Rita (McLaren) Spicer, her brothers Garry and Roy, her son Kelly and infant daughter Ronda and brother-in-law Keith Avery.
Doreen will be deeply missed by her husband Walt and their daughters, Janet Keating of Red Deer, Glenda (Michael) Seipp of Clancy, MT, and daughter-in-law Arlette Avery of Estevan. Precious memories will remain with her brother Morris (Sandy) Spicer; six grandchildren: Talon Avery, Barrett (Kim Kudelski) Avery, Brodie (Jenny) Keating, Regan (Anila Khan) Seipp, Britta (Joe) Steffens, Katrina (Frankie) Lewington and six great-grandchildren: Vincent, Naomi and Autumn Keating, Ella and Ida Steffens, William Lewington; as well as her in-laws Ken Avery, Marlene Jackman and Joan Avery; numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Walter and family are very grateful for the care and kindness that Doreen received during her 3.5 years at St. Joseph Hospital Long Term Care in Estevan. Our expression of gratitude is heartfelt and unending.
On behalf of Doreen, whether you were a friend or a casual acquaintance, know that your time spent with her in collaboration or friendship or in the check-out line at a local store, was a blessing for her. Although she was unable to say good-bye she would have liked to say thank you, until we meet again.
A Memorial Service for Doreen was held on Friday, October 8, 20121 at 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul’s United Church, Estevan, SK with Sandy Dalziel officiating. A light luncheon followed, after which interment took place at Souris Valley Memorial Gardens.
A video recording of the Memorial Service is available using this link:
https://vimeo.com/626962796/30efe6f78e
Those so wishing may make donations in memory of Doreen to a charity of your choice.
Hall Funeral Services in Estevan provided care to the Avery family – Deb Heidinger, Funeral Director.
