Obituary
Long time resident of Hotchkiss, Alberta passed away peacefully in Manning, Alberta on June 10, 2022 at the age of 81 years.
Doreen Matilda Pillsworth was born November 18, 1940 in Pouce Coupe, BC to Fred and Irene Pillsworth of Baytree, Alberta. Doreen grew up on the Homestead her parents built, with her six dear siblings: sisters, Edna, Pearl and Shirley; brothers, Vern, Albert and Joe. The siblings grew up in hard times, tending to many chores and animals on the ranch, and leaving home at an early age to attend school at the Notre Dame boarding school in Dawson Creek, for five heartbreaking years. During her childhood years, Doreen cherished her time working along side her father, they shared a love and passion for horses, developing a bond evident still in her final days.
At twenty years old Doreen married Mickey Mortimer in 1960, together they had four children: John, Rick, Cindy and Darcy. They spent much of their early life together guiding hunters on the river. Doreen described this as a hard life, but a good life. She reminisced fondly of her time cooking on the river boat, and tending to the children on one sand bar island or another.
Doreen and her youngest children moved to Manning in 1979. Doreen married Ray Vandemark in 1984. They lived on their family farm in Hotchkiss, where they enjoyed many years of community events. Doreen was an active member in the Hotchkiss Community Club for the past 37 years. She volunteered her time with the Battle River Pioneer Museum and Agricultural Society, helping with horse events at the fair for many years. Doreen busied herself on the farm with tending to family and friends, caring for numerous nieces, nephews and grandchildren. She loved her animals, keeping hens, cattle and horses for many years. Doreen enjoyed tending to her beautiful yard, large garden and abundance of flowers and plants. She was well known for her green thumb, and often an advisor to many in this area. She loved canning and pickling, eager to pass these skills onto those willing to learn.
Always an avid sports fan, Doreen was especially keen to follow Hockey and Baseball. She could be found many a weekend in the Manning Arena cheering on every local team from Tom Thumb’s to the Senior Manning Comets. She was especially pleased to watch her Calgary Flames in their recent playoff run, when the game was over she quickly turned the channel to the Blue Jays game!
Doreen was predeceased by her parents, Fred and Irene Pillsworth; many close aunts, uncles, brothers in law and sisters in law and her special kids, Micheal Boos and Brooke Pangrass. She is survived by her husband, Ray; sons, John, Rick (Dannielle Smith), Cindy, Darcy (Debbie); grandchildren, Trevor Kimmie (Brandy Stich), Dennis and Denise Mortimer, Brandy and James Hawksworth, Madeline Pue and Shail Mortimer; siblings, Edna (Robert) Vandemark, Vern Pillsworth, Pearl (Thor) Lien, Albert (Joyce) Pillsworth, Shirley Brlic, Joe (Pat) Pillsworth and the apple of her eye, great grandson, Carter Kimmie, as well as numerous nieces and nephew’s, family and friends.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in lieu of flowers in care to Ray Vandemark for Baby Carter’s medical expenses at Doreen’s wishes.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Doreen M. Vandemark, please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
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Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Doreen Vandemark November 18 1940 June 10 2022..
Chapel of Memories Funeral Homes & Crematorium
Décès pour la Ville: Peace River, Province: Alberta