Doreen Way (Major, retired) passed away quietly on Thursday, August 24, 2023, surrounded by loved ones. She was the daughter of Gennevieve (nee Laing) and Donald Way of Toronto. She is predeceased by partner and soul mate of 33 years Bernard (Bernie) Wright (Lieutenant Colonel, retired) and leaves behind much-loved family: sister Margaret (Ron Sandelli) and her family Sherry (Kevin Tisdelle), Sheila Sandelli and their children and grandchildren. From Bernie's side she leaves behind stepchildren Kevin, Deborah, and Neil Wright (Sandra); grandchildren Katie (Keiran), Emily, Meghan and Caitlin Wright. The love and affection of all made life an entertaining journey and a solace in the last months.
Doreen attended public and high schools in Toronto then studied at University of Guelph where she graduated in 1970 with a B.Sc. (Hons.). After internship in Edmonton, she qualified as a dietitian and almost immediately joined the Canadian Forces as a Food Services Officer.
For 25 years Doreen enjoyed military life and the associated travel. Overseas postings, once to Germany and twice to Egypt, hatched a travel bug that never died. Along the way she met Bernie and together they fed each other's passion for music, cuisine, wine and more travel. Often travel destinations were chosen for how well the other interests could be indulged in. Every trip was an adventure with plenty of chances to face down old fears and meet new challenges, ready or not.
After their military careers Doreen accompanied Bernie on his longer UN tours and volunteered with UNICEF in Jordan and Medecins Sans Frontieres in Kenya.
Doreen took up bridge later in life and enjoyed a wonderful relationship with the three ladies in her group. Their friendship and twice weekly card games helped her through the toughest times of her life, right to the end.
She volunteered for more than 20 years at the Carefor Day Program at the Perley Hospital where she helped seniors with dementia enjoy their day away from home.
Doreen felt she had a fortunate and interesting life, without many hardships and blessed by strong friendships and loving family.
Special thanks to friend Barbara, cousin Raven-Leigh, Ottawa Medical Oncology unit and the MAID team.
Instead of flowers please donate to a charity of your choice.
There will be a Celebration of Life at the Beechwood Cemetery on Friday, September 1, 2023. Private interment will be at the National Military Cemetery (Beechwood) immediately following for family and close friends.
Celebration of Life for Doreen Way
Where: Borden Fleming Room, Beechwood Cemetery
Address: 280 Beechwood Ave., Vanier, ON K1L 8A6
Date: Friday, September 1, 2023
Time: 1 to 3 pm
RSVP: Kevin Wright (613-298-6279 or kevin@oldfox.ca)
Livre de visiteurs
Judy El-Hakim
Vinod Sahgal and Tina Sahgal
Doreen was a kind neighbour. Very welcoming and always smiling. We had just moved into the Building in 20222 and to find a helpful and considerate neighbour was reassuring. We consider ourselves blessed to have known her even for so short a time.
Ash and Alex Aylwin
Kevin, this remembrance of Aunt Doreen’s life was absolutely beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing her story.
Aunt Doreen and Uncle Bern will live on through so many incredible stories. Alex and I have cherished the moments we’ve had visiting with them, and I said to my family that I can picture Uncle Bern waiting on the other side with a glass and extended hand, commenting on how irresistible he must have been for her to follow him so soon. :)
I am so sorry that my household will not be able to attend the ceremony on Friday, because Aurora has an important specialist appointment that we must attend at Sick Kids. Please know that we will be there in spirit; thinking of her and all of you.
We will miss you, Aunt Doreen.
Pauline and Jean-Paul Chabot
We will miss you Doreen. You were a very special friend! We have found memories to remember you. To Doreen's Family, our deepest condolences. We share your great loss.
marie-france nicholls
Doreen était une personne d'exception. Généreuse, raffinée, curieuse, elle laissera dans ma vie et celle de bien d'autres, un grand vide.
Agi and Paul Margittai
What a great Lady we lost. We shall remember her for ever.
Gary & Donna Sandelli
Our condolences Marg and Ron. Wish we're there.
Priti & Rajendra Joshi from India
We are very sad to learn about passing away of Doreen! We have very sweet memories of our friendship with Bernard and Doreen. During their visit to India Doreen was very passionate about leaning Indian vegetarian dishes and would love to stand in kitchen watching my wife Priti cook. We are also reminded of their visit to a small village, Mahapura, when they visited Jaipur in India. They were overwhelmed by the reception and the affection which they recieved from the village folks.
We are sure, wherever they are, they will always be remembered for their friendly smiles and openness. May God rest her soul in peace!
Nicole et Michel Drapeau
Michel and I offer our condolences to the family and Barbara her very good friend. I work with Doreen and eventually became friend. I appreciated her good nature and good advice. When Michel ran for office and that Doreen and Bernie had started a catering business, knowing I could not prepare good meals because of lack of time, I asked Doreen to feed us. We never ate so well! We will never forget it. I consider myself very fortunate to have met Doreen and will keep the good memories I have of her.
Erica Miskiman-Beaton
I had the pleasure of watching Doreen in action at the Perley Day Program Men's group where she volunteered for over 20 years. She was an amazing person who gave so much, shared so much, and brought so much love and joy to so many lives. Our hearts are broken to hear the sad news, but we will all take comfort in the great memories we have. We share in your grief.
Doreen’s friends and neighbours share her loss with you. She had too many qualities to mention, and will be missed. Most sincere sympathies.