Doreen Yvonne Coleman

COLEMAN, Doreen Yvonne

October 6, 1942 – August 9, 2023

Doreen passed away peacefully after an extended decline from dementia. She is survived by her niece Dominique Bonelli, her loving husband Brian of 55 years, daughters Collette, Adele and Rachelle and her delightful grandchildren Summer and Leo.

Doreen grew up in Montrose, Scotland in a golf, tennis, and horse-riding family (how did that work!) where her father was a prominent businessman. Upon graduating from St. Margaret’s school in Aberdeen, Doreen trained as a shorthand secretary in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

At the age of 22, Doreen emigrated to Montreal where 2 years later she met her future husband, Brian. Married the following year in Montrose, the couple had moves over a 6 year period to London, Ontario, Chicago, then back to London, with Brian’s employer. During this period, they learned to sail a racing boat and campaigned it, making many friends. Brian said Doreen was the best spinnaker hand they ever had. Curling was another frequent activity.

During this same period, 3 daughters, Collette, Adele and Rachelle came along in quick succession.  So in 1973, the family up staked and moved to Vancouver, where they bought a home in Richmond where they stayed for the next 49 years. Raising their 3 children, Doreen kept them constantly busy with skating, swimming, Brownies, where she was a leader, and other activities.

Meanwhile, Doreen resumed her tennis, joining the Western Indoor Tennis club where she was a fierce competitor. At the same time, she assisted in the development proposal for CISL Radio and upon its successful approval became its initial office manager.

Doreen, with husband Brian, became involved with Canadian Guide Dogs for the Blind as “puppy walkers” and introduced a number of puppies to all the situations they would later experience as guide dogs. In addition, Doreen organized a number of successful fundraising functions for the organization.

They enjoyed racing their Lightning sailboat, family camping in their tent trailer, and later numerous vacations throughout western North America including cruises to Alaska and Mexico. Performances at Metro Theatre gave them great pleasure over many years.

The Coleman family wish to thank the staff at Parkview Tertiary health unit for the care and attention they provided to Doreen.

Doreen will be interred in a green burial at the Heritage Gardens Cemetery in south Surrey in a private family ceremony. A celebration of Doreen’s life will be held in mid-September. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Alzheimer’s Society of British Columbia would be greatly appreciated.