DOREEN HEWAK

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DOREEN HEWAK

Doreen passed away on March 29, 2023.



I am writing my own obituary, mainly because, who knows me better than me???



To those who touched my life in countless ways, friendships, a kind word or deed, compassion, unconditional love, always there for me through good, bad and in between times, offering warm, comforting hugs, thank you from the bottom of my heart.



To my dear cousin Brian, thank you for reaching out, across the miles via phone and letters. Thank you for the special times we had in Calgary and Victoria. Thank you for organizing my lists of books and authors. Most of all, for keeping in touch, caring about, what was happening in my life.



To my friends, who shared your time, families, trips to Grand Forks, Grand Beach, Lockport, Spanish lessons, aerobic classes, special celebrations, movies, bingo nights, etc.



BRIEF BACKGROUND INFORMATION



At the tender age of 15, I sold sweets at Woolworths. At 16, I started my professional career as a clerk and typist at the Dominion Bank on Main and McDermot (later to become TD Bank and TD Canada Trust). Several years later, I decided to "Turn a Page in my Diary of Life".



I answered an ad in the Free Press from the law firm, Richardson & Co. (which later evolved into Taylor McCaffrey) looking for a receptionist. My interview was a success and the next 25 years of my life were my happiest. I loved meeting and greeting people, switchboard kept me busy all day while attending to a steady flow of clients. Other clerical duties and miscellaneous filled in a full day.



When it came to vacation time, I fulfilled one of my passions (other than shopping) by choosing a different island every year, always in the Caribbean, Hawaii, Bahamas, Mexico, Venezuela, Costa Del Sol and so many more tropical climates.



One of many special memories was in the Dominican Republic, where I met a young man who was trying to make a living by transporting tourists around the island on a motorized old bicycle. I threw caution to the breezes, hopped on the back (no helmet), heart throbbing while bumping along unpaved roads and hills, wherever the eye could see. The scenery was breathtaking. Vibrant colourful flowers, plants, palm trees so tall it looked as if they were touching the clear blue sky. We stopped at a few souvenir stalls and at a delightful outdoors "refresh yourself with snacks and cold drinks." If you felt like it, you could get up and dance to the merengue, reggae, salsa beat, all outdoors. After five hours of "Native lifestyles, easy breezy, don't worry, be happy", I was safely back at my hotel with a sore and tender booty, worth every peso.



Another special memory was from the Southern Part of the Dominican Republic. An employee of the hotel I stayed at, took me to his home on his day off, to meet his wife and children. Our mode of travel, was his motorcycle. Once again, I was barefoot and fancy-free, oh what a scary, but exciting feeling.



I was invited to stay for supper, the food was a mixture of chicken and seafood, cooked island style "yummy in the tummy". They invited some neighbours over and it was party and dance time. What a fun and happy day and evening!!!

I have a heart full of love, laughter and fun, thanks to all those who helped make it happen!!

It's a New Dawn, it's a New Day and I'm feeling free as a breeze.



I was predeceased by my precious mother, my brother and father. Also, most family extended relatives.



There will be no service.



Please consider donations to the following in Celebration of my Life, CancerCare Manitoba, Heart & Stroke, Robert A. Steen Day Hospital or a charity of your choice.

Muchos Gracias

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 15, 2023