DOREEN SHIRLEY BRAY (VANWYCK)

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DOREEN SHIRLEY BRAY (nee VANWYCK) Peacefully, on the morning of May 6, 2004 with her family by her side Doreen passed on to join James her loving husband who predeceased her in 1998. Born in the 1930s, Doreen grew up on the farm near Roland, MB where the experience of losing her only brother Allan at a young age to illness lead her to a career in nursing. Graduating in 1950 with her LPN, she served as a nurse in Carman and Cartwright where she met Jim. During their courtship she continued nursing in Morris, Deloraine, The Melita Hospital, and The Winnipeg Medical Arts Building. By 1958, as a newly married ministers wife, Doreen continued her career in Manitou where Jims work took them. After moving back to Winnipeg in 1966, she continued nursing at The Holy Family Nursing Home, Oak View Place and Heritage Lodge. Doreens genuine spirit of care and compassion was reflected throughout her career as a nurse. She retired in 1988 to take care of her parents in their declining health. Doreen was gifted with a wonderful singing voice and was active in many country church choirs in her younger years. In her retirement she continued on a member of the choir at Sturgeon Creek United Church. After losing her first child a son, to a still birth, Doreen was determined to be a loving, giving mother. She cherished her family and would never hesitate to help out in any way she could. Her strong Christian faith was a source of thankfulness and comfort to her. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters, Bonnie-Lee Lambert (Claude), Shirley Bray-Mak (Gord), Jamesena Turnbull (Colin), as well as seven grandchildren, Daylan, Aaron, Jonah, Jasmine, Jordan, Jennifer and Tiana. Doreen will also be lovingly remembered by her foster son, Brian Johnston (Jennifer) and their child Rachel. She will be missed by Barbara Lavallee who made it possible for Doreen to spend as much time as possible at home this past year. Doreen had many special friends and will be fondly remembered by Mary Helgason whose thoughtfulness and caring has been an endless support and comfort, by Sarah Adshed, Olive Moore, Paddy Nault, Burnice Gill, Hilda Olesiuk and Bill and Heather Friesen who have been dear friends to Doreen, and by many other relatives and friends too numerous to name. Doreen was predeceased by her parents Herb and Nina VanWyck and brother Allan of Roland and by her husband Jim. The family would like to give special thanks to the Sturgeon Creek United Church, doctors and nurses of Grace General Hospital for their caring and compassion; and to Cory, for the special bond he had with Mom, for the extra time he always gave her and for making her smile! A service honouring the life and faith of Doreen Bray will be held at Sturgeon Creek United Church, Tuesday, May 11 at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place in Fairview Cemetery, Roland, MB where all are welcome but none are obligated to attend. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Sturgeon Creek United Church memorial fund or to a charity of choice. My life has been enriched and blessed by many unseen things As fragile as the frost upon a winter window. Where, in the morning light appeared an artistry of leaf and fern Etched upon the glass in powder grey and icy blue. A mystery from the darkness of the night And so I came to know with childish wisdom, That unseen power fills the world about me. It mattered not that mid-day sun erased this thing of beauty For I had seen it long enough to know that it was real. As real as unseen things that give to life direction And lift it upward in its dark and troubled hours With faith unseen and love unspoken. Doyles of Carman in care of arrangements. www.doyleschapels.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 09, 2004