It is with great sadness that the family of Doreen Ingibjorg Howk announce her peaceful passing into the loving arms of God on October 13th, 2016.
She was 85 years old and loved dearly by many.
Doreen will be lovingly missed by her devoted husband of 64 years, John Howk, and her two children, Loren (Shelley) Howk, and Sharon (Dan) Ventrudo; four grandchildren, Kianah Howk, Bryndis Ventrudo, Kaeler Howk and Anderson Ventrudo. Doreen is survived by her sister Lillian (Lawrence) Romaniuk; brothers Beggie (Josephine) Anderson and Martin (Barbara) Anderson and sisters-in-law Lillian “Ivy” Anderson, Marjorie Anderson, Valdine (Anton) Peterson; brother-in-law Jim Bowman. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews of the Anderson and Howk families and their children. Doreen’s memories will also be cherished by special friends, the Dubois family.
She was predeceased by sisters Rose (Luke) Charney, Kristine (Palmi) Sigvaldason, Dora (Steve) Olafson and Margaret Anderson-Bowman; brothers Lawrence Anderson, Magnus Anderson, Oli (Mae) Anderson, and Harold Anderson. Doreen was blessed with two sets of parents in her life: Helgi and Sigridur Anderson of Geysir, MB and Magnus and Rannveig Anderson of Ledwyn, MB.
Doreen was born in Winnipeg and spent most of her younger years on a farm near Riverton, Manitoba where her Icelandic heritage was a strong influence on her life. In 1952 she married John Howk and the two were inseparable until the end. They worked as teachers in Manitoba until moving to Fort William and building their house in 1958. Doreen worked for the Bank of Nova Scotia and The City of Thunder Bay for many years before retirement.
Doreen had many passions in life - playing the piano and organ for services at her beloved Calvary Lutheran Church, sewing, cooking fantastic meals, baking the Icelandic specialty vinarterta, traveling with John, but most of all, her family. Doreen was happiest in the company of her family especially while being at her second home at camp on Lac Des Milles Lacs. There, huge feasts were prepared for all, and a log book dating back over 30 years attests to the good times had by friends and family.
Heartfelt thanks to our dedicated, loving caregivers who became our family: Rhoda and Rhea Pabiona and Peejay Son Juan. Also special thanks to Carl and the rest of the Victorian Order of Nurses staff, April, and the amazing staff of Wesway who have helped us so compassionately. We appreciate the many physicians and medical staff who oversaw Mom’s medical issues and helped her to remain with us for these last few years (Dr. Almond, Dr. Jog, NP Aaron Medd, Dr. Robrock, the MCTU and the Palliative Care Team).
A Memorial Service for Doreen Howk will take place on Saturday October 22nd at 11:00 a.m. at Calvary Lutheran Church (2820 Donald Street) led by Pastor Tim Barone. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens. If friends so desire, memorial donations to the Parkinson Society, Wesway or Calvary Lutheran Church would be appreciated.
