DOREEN HUNTER (ANDERSON) -

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DOREEN HUNTER (nee ANDERSON) 1922 - 2004 Suddenly, on February 12, 2004 Doreen passed away without suffering. Doreen was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Norah Anderson, infant sister Mary Doreen, and step-daughter Gayle Sharpe (Dennis). She is survived by children Kevin (Nadine), Catherine (Ron), Rocky (Colleen) grandchildren Melody, Cheyenne, Justin, Autumn, and Trevor; step-grandchildren Patricia, Matthew, Teresa, and Mark; foster brother Tony Townsend; and relatives throughout Canada, the US, England, and Australia. Doreen was blessed with many special friends who gave her joy, and her family is grateful to those who shared her life. Doreen was born in Winnipeg on July 20, 1922 and spent a happy childhood in Woodhaven. She later lived in Port Credit, Toronto, and Washington, DC, where she worked as a secretary for the British Supply Mission during Second World War. After the war she attended Victoria College at the University of Toronto, where she met fellow student Jimmy Hunter, a blinded war veteran, and helped him with his studies. Doreen earned an Honours degree in Political Science and Economics in 1949. She married Jimmy, to whom she was married for 30 years, and the couple moved to Regina in 1952 and then to Winnipeg in 1958. Doreen was very happy to be back in her original home town. She had a great attachment to the Prairies and to Riding Mountain National Park. She joined the Unitarian Universalist Church of Winnipeg, where she taught, and served as superintendent, for the Sunday School for several years. She remained an active church member for the rest of her life. Doreen dedicated most of her life to her children, grandchildren, and volunteer work. In later years, she worked for the John Howard Society and the Manitoba Association for Rights and Liberties. Doreen was strongly committed to peace and social justice. She was passionate in her beliefs, and much of her life was given over to volunteer work: she was an active member of the CCF, the Voice of Women, the Canadian Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament, and the World Federalists. She volunteered in schools, assisting children with learning disabilities. She took part in many peace walks, vigils, and demonstrations. She volunteered for over 15 years with the Native Brotherhood Organization at Stony Mountain Institute, and made countless trips to Stony Mountain to organize programs with inmates. She was a longtime member of the Canadian Alliance in Solidarity with the Native Peoples and established their Winnipeg branch, which she co-ordinated for over 12 years. She was a life member of the John Howard Society. She truly lived according to her beliefs. Her compassion and integrity continue to inspire us. Among the highlights of Doreens life were her family trip to England to visit relatives in 1974; her participation in the Lubicon blockade in northern Alberta in 1988; and her trip to the Queen Charlotte Islands with her dear friend Margaret in 1998. Doreen loved nature, birdsong, the prairie sky, and conversations with her many beloved friends. For Doreen, family was the most important part of her life. She kept in touch with many relatives throughout her life, and her grandchildren were a source of great joy and companionship to her. Her gentle, loving kindness, optimism, and sense of humour delighted us all. We will miss her terribly. Please join us at a Memorial Service to honour Doreens life, Saturday, February 28 at 3:00 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church, 603 Wellington Crescent (by the Maryland Bridge). According to Doreens wishes, flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so wish, a contribution may be made to Rossbrook House, 658 Ross Ave., Winnipeg, R3A 0M1. We love you, Mum.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 21, 2004