It is with great sadness our family announces the peaceful passing of Doreen Murphy, age 89, on the evening of October 29th. Doreen was born in her family’s Burnaby home to her parents, Agatha and Fred Watkins, their second, long awaited child. Her older brother Harold finally had a sister. Soon after, her family moved to Port Coquitlam. She made Port Coquitlam her home, on both Coast Meridian and on Mary Hill – for the next 80 years. She was schooled in the old three story schools of the 1930’s, James Park and Central. Her siblings include her sister Phyllis (surviving )and her three brothers Harold, John and Trevor (predeceased ) She is also predeceased by her daughter Beverly and husband Keith.
Doreen was homemaker and a stay at home Mom during her children’s elementary school years. She filled the home with baking, sewing and knitting, canned fruit, children’s art, antiques and her ornamental collections. Doreen later worked as a secretary and supervisor at Mary Hill School, at two local insurance agencies and a credit union. She was considered a cheerful, kind and conscientious secretary and agent by her supervisors, fellow staff, her clients and the public. She cared about and understood people well. Doreen soon became a friend to young and old in her church, her town and neighborhood. She kept in touch and often visited her retired aunts, uncles and cousins. Doreen offered her time and effort to many groups and associations every year of her life. She was a devote Roman Catholic and member of the Our Lady of Assumption Parish and CWL. Doreen supported her children, her grandchildren and her friends as they received their sacraments of baptism, first communion, confirmation and marriage. Whether you were aware of it or not, Doreen prayed for each of you, when your times were good and at your times of need.
Doreen was a loving and supportive wife to her husband Keith and wonderful mother to their children Cynthia, Dan, Beverly and Craig. Throughout her children’s lives, the family looked forward to weeks of family vacations in the Okanagan and on the ocean, in our boat. Throughout the years and seasons, Doreen was cheering in the stands and organizing activities for her children – and then her grandchildren. These included events like the Special Olympics, catechism, soccer, Mayday, cubs and brownies, school sports, dances, bowling, swimming, skating, dance, baseball, lacrosse, hockey, track n field, concerts, graduations, and school events . Doreen had done these things before the birth of her children so it was second nature to her to continue with full involvement. She was always there and always with great compliments. Doreen made birthdays, Easter, Halloween and Christmas exciting times. She applied her artistry, her seamstress skills, her cooking , baking and candy making skills, to create a wonderful celebration. Her family dinners for six or sixteen were legendary and were always followed by pies and baking . The dinners were well attended and she often sent you home with her “ care packages ” too . Doreen lovingly cared for her precious pups and Bev’s cats . She had a special way with dogs, the big ones she hugged and the small ones were in her lap. She enjoyed Broadway shows, the symphony, plays, ballets, music concerts and children’s concerts. Doreen travelled all over Canada, visited Mexico and the U.S.. She toured the British Isles, Spain and the Holy land. Portugal was her favorite place to visit . She took in Disneyland and went on cruises to Alaska.
As you may remember “ tea time” with Doreen was a valued, enjoyable time and I’m sure we all wish we could have just one more “ tea” with Doreen . She was your sister, our mom, your grandma, your aunt, your cousin, your neighbor and a dear friend.
Doreen is survived by sister Phyllis; her daughter Cynthia ( Gary ) and granddaughter Tess; Her son Dan
(Tanya ) grandchildren Megan and Cameron; Her son Craig (Yvonne) and grandsons Allan and Matthew.
“ Auntie Doreen “ was a dear favorite and mainstay in the lives of her nieces, nephews and their children too.
A funeral service and mass will be held for 35 family and friends on Tuesday, November 10th at 11:00a.m.. It will be held at Our Lady of the Assumption , Roman Catholic Church located at 3141 Shaunessy Avenue, Port Coquitlam. The service may be broadcast on the internet. Details are forthcoming check facebook. Burial will follow at the Port Coquitlam Cemetery on Oxford Street. There will be no reception after the mass service, maybe at a later date.
Safe and proper Covid 19 precautions are a must for all.
As per the requests of Doreen and Family, and on behalf of her daughter Beverly, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the B.C. Special Olympics. This was a big part of Doreen and Beverly’s life.
Read Less
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Doreen Murphy Thursday October 29th 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Coquitlam, Province: Colombie britanique