Doreen L. Armstrong (McMillan)

Our family is sad to announce the passing of Doreen Lavonne Armstrong. She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Bruce; son Morley, his daughter Tiffany; daughter Audrey Morris (Doug) their sons, Blair (Rachel) and Andrew (Tasia); son Kevin (Holly) and their children, Brody and Shaye.

Doreen was born in Birch River, MB, to Bud and Doris McMillan; older sister to Merita, Marylyn, and Carolyn.  Doreen and Bruce were married in Swan River, MB in 1957 where all three children were born.  After establishing their strong roots in the Swan Valley, they had the opportunity to move to British Columbia living in Castlegar, Port Alberni and ultimately retiring in Victoria.

She was a proud ‘Birch River’ girl growing up on a farm in the McKinley School District.  Doreen either walked or rode her pony to the country school which was also used for other community gatherings such as her 4H meetings.  Grade 11 was the highest level she could achieve in Birch River and when she was informed by the Department of Education she was too young for a teaching permit she marched down to The Bank of Toronto in town and applied for a job which she got after her parent’s permission as she wasn’t quite 16.  After a few months of training, she was transferred to Swan River where she took room and board, gradually overcame homesickness and grew a circle of friends through St. Andrew’s United Church, curling and of course with the ladies at the bank.

Bruce proposed to Doreen in the old Co-op lumberyard truck when Doreen turned 18 and less than a year were married.  One of their most difficult decisions was presented when Bruce was asked by Co-op to transfer to Castlegar, BC in 1972.  They accepted the offer and by August had moved the family to the West Kootenay town. During the years in Castlegar, Doreen worked for the Bank of Commerce, made some wonderful friends once again through the bank, curling, hockey parent circle and her cherished Woodland Park neighbours.

In the fall of 1978, another call came from Co-op asking Bruce to consider a transfer to Port Alberni and once again they accepted and in early January 1979, they moved to Vancouver Island.  It made Doreen very happy to know she had cousins living there and it didn’t take long to build a lasting relationship with them. She went back to work for the Toronto Dominion enlarging her circle of friends with more co-workers and hockey parents. Two years later in June 1981, another call from Co-op, another move.  This time it was the full circle back home to Swan River.

Doreen and Bruce were so thankful for the time with their parents, extended family, and dear friends during the following 6 years in their hometowns.  But Doreen made it clear during a bitterly cold winter in 1987-88 that when they visited Audrey and Doug in Victoria that March, she wouldn’t be returning if she got a job there.  She did get an interview with First Pacific Credit Union and sure enough, was hired.  After giving notice at the Swan Valley Credit Union, Doreen flew back to Victoria in April with her budgie bird in a cup box under the seat.  It was October before Bruce was able to join her and so began their Victorian era!

Doreen’s hands were never idle.  She could cook and bake up a storm. She embroidered, crocheted, quilted, did needlework and tried ceramics, enjoyed fishing but knitting was her passion; countless number of baby sweater sets were made, mitts, sweaters, toques and afghans. Doreen was a season ticket holder for the Victoria Royals and a huge fan of Marty.

Her focus in life was family and friends who she kept dear to her heart to the very end. The love for her parents and sisters was undeniable. She cherished the family reunions and spent hours working on Family Trees for the Hogarths, McMillans and Armstrongs.

We, her children and grandchildren, were blessed with a Mother and Gramma who loved us unconditionally and supported us in our pursuits.  She was there cheering at hockey and soccer games, attending cadet and military parades, band concerts and music gigs….the list is endless.

Doreen’s 61-year marriage to Bruce was unwavering, partners in every way, their love, and respect for each other always evident.

Visitation will take place at McCall Gardens Redwood Chapel, 4665 Falaise Drive on Thursday, February 21, 2019 from 6:30 – 8 pm.  A Celebration of Doreen’s Life with a reception to follow will be held on Friday, February 22, 2019 in the Sequoia Centre at McCall Gardens, 4665 Falaise Drive at 3 pm.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in her memory to your charity of choice.

Condolences may be offered to the family below.

McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com

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