Doreen Margaret Smith was born at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria. The youngest of Dora and Alexander MacKay’s five children, she was affectionately called “Tyke” by her family. Growing up in Oak Bay, Doreen attended Willows School and Oak Bay High School. She played field hockey at Willows and excelled at basketball, playing for the Oak Bay Bays and in the Victoria women’s league. Doreen’s family worshipped at St. Mary the Virgin Church, where she attended Sunday school, was confirmed, & sang in the choir. She remained a life-long Anglican and resident of Victoria.
On September 27th, 1952, Doreen married Jack Roger Smith at St. Mary’s. She often recalled how beautiful the church looked on the evening of the wedding – decorated in celebration of the Harvest season. Together they were blessed with five children, five grandchildren, & eight great-grandchildren. Doreen & Jack celebrated their 71 st Wedding Anniversary, with family members from four generations present, just one month before his passing in October of 2023.
Doreen was a gentle, caring mother and an accomplished homemaker. She enjoyed tending her lovely garden on Redwood Avenue and preparing Sunday & holiday meals for the family. She remained in daily contact with her mother Dora until her passing, also at the age of 94. In their retirement years, Doreen & Jack travelled often: participating in MacKay family reunions, held every two years, in places such as Duluth, New Orleans, & Twain Harte, and visiting relatives in England and Scotland.
Facing health issues in her later years, Doreen retained a warm sense of humour, enjoyed buoyant conversation, and always looked forward to family visits. She passed away peacefully at Oak Bay Kiwanis Pavilion on a Friday morning – while her youngest son held her hand.
Doreen will be deeply missed and is survived by daughter Gloria, son Paul (Sarah), son David (Yumiko), and grandchildren Laura, Michael, Brian, Emily and Rachel. Mom is now in Heaven with our Lord Jesus: Reunited with Dad, their oldest daughter Marilyn, and infant son Philip.
A funeral service will be conducted by Padre Andrew Gates on Friday, September 4th at 1:30 p.m. at Royal Oak Burial Park.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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