DOREEN MAUD CRATON

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DOREEN MAUD CRATON January 18, 1918 - June 19, 2009 Doreen Craton, beloved mother and grandmother, died peacefully at the Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg. Doreen was born in Harrogate, England to William and Clementina Meara. As a child, she was an active swimmer, avid reader and knitter. In 1929, Doreen's father died of injuries he suffered in the First Great War and Doreen's mum raised three children on her own. Although she qualified to attend university, Doreen opted instead to help support her family and while working at Boots Pharmacy, she studied typing and shorthand nights, skills that she put to good use in government service during the Second World War. She met and fell in love with the RCAF pilot, Flight Lieutenant Doug Craton in Harrogate. They were married August 9, 1943. Just as the war ended, pregnant with her first child, and with her husband in hospital recovering from serious war wounds, Doreen crossed the Atlantic and then all of Canada alone to begin a new life in a new and very cold country. She was soon joined by Doug in Vancouver. In 1948, the young family moved to Winnipeg, where Doreen devoted herself to raising Lynn, Bill, Christine and Neil. As the children grew, Doreen took up bridge and eventually taught bridge to perhaps hundreds of Winnipeggers. At 50, Doreen fulfilled a life-long dream and began teaching high school. She became Department Head at Grant Park School where she will be remembered fondly by staff and students for her 20 years of dedicated service. She achieved a second life-long dream at 65. After attending night school and while working full time and raising a family, Doreen received her Bachelor of Education from the University of Manitoba. At 65, Doreen's exemplary teaching record and fine health made her the ideal Supreme Court of Canada test case concerning forced retirement. Doreen won the right for teachers to continue teaching past 65. She, herself, taught until the age of 70. Doreen enjoyed her retirement years swimming, knitting, playing bridge and wintering in Palm Springs. In 2004, she moved into the caring atmosphere of Lindenwood Manor. Doreen's courage, perseverance, intellect, and most of all her unfailing generosity will be cherished and tremendously missed. She is preceded in death by her beloved son Bill (1971) and her husband Doug (1986). She is survived by Lynn, Christine (Tim Schwab), Neil (Kate) and their two children, Abby and Sam. The Cratons wish to thank the staff at the Lindenwood Manor for their kindness and support, and the remarkable staff at the Victoria General Hospital where Doreen met death with dignity and loving care. A memorial tea will be held at Lindenwood Manor, Tuesday, June 23, 12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. Words of tribute at 1:00 p.m. Please use the Heritage Entrance. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation the Victoria General Hospital Foundation.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 22, 2009