DOREEN SMITH

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DOREEN SMITH

(nee MCNICHOL/PICKEN)

Doreen McNichol Picken Smith was born in Winnipeg to Charlie and Emma McNichol. She enjoyed her early life with her brother George and sister Gertie. She lived in Winnipeg for the first 56 years of her life. She then moved with her husband Jim Smith to Victoria where they lived for 28 years. Doreen moved to Huntsville, Ontario at the age of 84 and quickly became part of each community.

One of her favourite places in the world was Ingolf, Ontario where her family had a summer cabin. She had fond memories of the Lake, spending long summer days with her grandparents, parents, aunts and uncles, cousins, siblings, children, nieces and nephews, and friends. Even after she moved to Victoria, she and Jim would travel back to Ingolf every summer.

Doreen loved to be active. She played on numerous school teams and after graduating from high school became an avid golfer, racquetball lover, busy aquasizer and enthusiastic walker. Doreen was a social butterfly and could always be found on the dance floor! She was the TGIF coordinator for her condo association, joined the local bridge clubs and was part of the quilter's guild in Victoria. She loved to entertain - dinner parties, BBQs at the lake, New Year's Eve parties, neighbourhood "doos".

Doreen had an extensive career. She trained as a Legal Secretary, and worked as such for many years. At the same time, she taught the Legal Secretary Professional course in the evenings. She later worked for Manitoba Corrections, and worked her way up to the assistant to the Deputy Minister. She later worked as the administrator for the travelling welfare tribunal, around rural Manitoba.

Doreen had three wonderful children, three stepkids, umpteen grandkids and was sooo loved by all. She had a fun approach to all her interactions with children, and taught us all the meaning of unconditional love. She also had a love for her pets, Zoe and Flash.

Doreen is survived by her sons, Shane Picken (Heather Sawatzky) and Bob Picken (Debbie Picken), her daughter Kelly Picken (Sandy Ebbs) and her 3 stepchildren, Bev Smith, Bruce Smith (Rose Smith). She has six grandchildren, Cass, Shawna, Ryley, Charlie, Takiah and Couper. She was the grandma to her eight step-grandchildren, Kelsey, Brittany, Kristen, Thomas, Julie, Nathan, Matthew, Casey) as well as to her 11 great-grandchildren. Doreen was predeceased by her two husbands, Bob Picken and Jim Smith and her stepson Gord Smith and his wife Petra.

Doreen died peacefully on June 23 at the age of 92. The family would like to thank the staff at the Pines and Country Moments who took great care of Doreen as she declined over the last few years.

In lieu of flowers, please plant a tree, shrub, flower to remind you of Doreen and her love for life.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jul 06, 2024, Jul 06, 2024