OBITUARIES
Doreen Victoria Knipe (nee Squires)
1926 – 2020
With great sadness, the family of Doreen Knipe, announces her passing on May 8, 2020 at age 93.
She is lovingly remembered by her son Derek (Cathie), her daughter Patricia (Don) her grandson Christopher, her nephews Edward Melnick (Inis) and Richard Squires (Ilse) and her grand niece Christine Melnick (Trevor). Doreen was predeceased by her husband Jack Knipe in 2012, her brother-in-law Bill Knipe in 2019 and her niece Barbara Johnson nee Melnick in 2020.
Our mom was the youngest daughter of Polish immigrants, John and Phyllis Squires. Doreen, along with her predeceased siblings Jean Melnick nee Squires, Julia McFadyen nee Squires, Edward Squires and Frank Squires, grew up in the city’s north end on Dufferin Avenue. To this day this home reminds us of the final passing of a generation of our family history.
Mom attended Aberdeen, St. John’s, and Kelvin High school and United College. She began working in the office of the Eaton’s downtown store and was introduced to Jack Knipe by her brother Ed shortly after the war. She married Jack in 1947 and in 1952 moved to Dudley Avenue where she resided over the following 61 years loving and raising her family and living her life to the fullest.
Mom followed her own path. When Dad said she didn’t need to drive because he would drive her where she wanted to go, she decided to teach herself. Early in her marriage she worked at the local A&P store, where she drove to work and to shop while Dad slept after working the night shift as an engineer for the CPR. Dad figured it out, and she finally got her driver’s license.
Once we were old enough to accept a Mom who also wanted to work outside her home, she returned to Eaton’s and went on to work for the Dominion Bureau of Statistics later renamed Statistics Canada as a local enumerator, eventually becoming a supervisor. She was also involved in politics and loved campaigning and, never hesitating to help others, even volunteered our house in the 24th federal election as a polling station!
Mom was also an excellent chef. No one could match her Sunday roast beef dinners with all the trimmings and her famous latticed blueberry pie. Our friends always marvelled at mom’s zest for life, generosity of spirit and acceptance of our friends and their families.
Nothing made mom happier than the arrival of her grandson, Christopher in 1993 and her love for him over these years.
We could not have asked for a more supportive and loving parent. She was always there for us, in both good times and bad. There are so many memories…We will miss you mom, grandma and aunt.
The family would like to thank the staff of the Seine River Seniors Residence and her home care support staff and the staff at Riverview and St. Norbert who cared for her over these past 2 months.
The Covid-19 pandemic has put many charities in financial difficulties. If you have the means, please send your donation to a charity of your choice in lieu of flowers.
A memorial service for family and friends will be held later this year at Elmwood Cemetery in Winnipeg.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Doreen Victoria Knipe nee Squires 1926 2020..
Bardal Funeral Home and Crematorium
Décès pour la Ville: Winnipeg, Province: Manitoba