Doreen Bruce

Doreen peacefully passed on December 6, 2017 at 88 years old, after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease. In her last years residing at Pioneer Ridge she became well known and loved by her caregivers. Many special people in all the various disciplines at Pioneer Ridge played an important role in Doreen’s last years. We give our thanks and gratitude for the outstanding care and compassion shown by all the Pioneer Ridge staff.

Doreen led a full life in Thunder Bay. She grew up on a farm when her brothers were off in the war. Her mother was a Registered Nurse (RN) at McKellar Hospital and Doreen became a RN as well in 1951. She was delighted when her granddaughter Marcy followed in her footsteps also becoming an RN. She had a strong bond with many of the nurses in her class and they attended reunions well into their 80s. Being a registered nurse was a requirement to be a Flight Attendant, which was her goal until a handsome CPR railroader caught her eye. Gordon and Doreen were married in 1952, and Gordon was born in 1953; five years later Barbara was born. In the early years she loved to bowl and devour science fiction novels. 

As a Life Master Bridge Player there were many late bridge evenings with family and friends. She was a finalist in the Canadian Women’s Team Championship Bridge tournament in Winnipeg in the late 70S. After the children were older and attending school Doreen started back nursing in the obstetrics ward at McKellar Hospital which she loved. Doreen went back to school and got her degree in 1971 following which she was offered a position teaching the nursing program at Confederation College. She retired from the College in late 1980s.

Oliver Lake was the family camp that both Doreen and Gord loved and where we learned to swim, ski and fish and eventually the grandchildren did the same. She was extremely proud of all of her grandchildren and played an important role in their lives. Her brother Jack also had a camp at Oliver Lake and on occasion brothers Don and Bill and their families would come up from the States as well as her sister Nora and her family from Atikokan.

During retirement she and Gord travelled and vacationed around the world particularly enjoying cruises.
Doreen volunteered and was on the Foundation Board when Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre was built. She was an active member at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church as an Elder commencing 2002 and was a Cub Scout leader for many years.

Doreen was predeceased by her mother Leo Pearl and father Hagar Albert, her husband Gordon, brothers: Bill and Jack and sister: Nora as well as her grandson Taylor. She is survived by her son Gordon (Wendy), grandson Bradley, great grandchildren, Breanna and Nate, granddaughter Marcy (Ryan) and great granddaughter Addison and her daughter Barb, grandchildren Caleigh (Trevor) and Alanna (Brayden).

Service will be held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church 11 am on Friday, December 15, 2017. A private family interment will take place following the service.

Donations may be sent to St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.