Edna Doreen Preece

Doreen Preece of Red Deer, Alberta, filled with determination until the end, passed away peacefully at the Red Deer Regional Hospital on October 16, 2020 at the age of 95. Doreen was born on May 28, 1925 at Moosejaw, Saskatchewan (youngest of four children). Doreen began teaching in 1943, continued her education at the University of Saskatchewan and later at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg. Doreen married James (Jim) Preece on December 28, 1948. In 1950 Jim and Doreen moved to Flin Flon, Manitoba where Jim was employed by H.B.M. & S. In 1959 they moved to Snow Lake, Manitoba where they lived until 1981 at which time they retired and moved to Red Deer. Doreen’s career of teaching became her passion for 39 years of her life. If a student needed extra help she was there to help them through. She truly made an impact, supported and encouraged them, and celebrated their accomplishments – big or small. Over the years Doreen watched her students grow and was proud to be a part of the process to get them to where they are today. After teaching and being around people all her life Doreen decided to go into real estate. Acting in their interests and instructions, she provided advice and support to her clients while they navigated this exciting and nerve wracking process. She worked with some wonderful people, and for her – the personal fulfillment of helping families own their home was her highlight/reward. Doreen was, I believe, the first Coordinator in the commencement of Life Line for the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. One of Doreen’s personal achievements was when she reached her goal in TOPS and was crowned “Queen” (April 29, 2006). Doreen has been a Life Time Member. Doreen was involved in the Red Hat Society. She would say that when I become old, I shall wear purple with a red hat. She had lots of fun, laughter and friendship. Doreen had a soft spot for animals – especially her dogs. You saw that her face would light up with the mention of one of her dogs – they gave her so much joy, love, friendship, unconditional love, therapy, health, exercise throughout the years – a special bond! She so loved her dogs! Doreen did not start playing bridge until later in life – after her husband, Jim, passed away. She would spend time at the Bridge Clubs throughout the city and was grateful for the friendships she built within those communities. She was always willing to drop whatever, if there was mention to have a game of bridge. Doreen was extremely proud of her children, Cheryl, Gordon, and Alan. People have shared this numerous times since Doreen’s passing and the retelling of stories Doreen shared of her children’s lives. Doreen and Jim were blessed with two grandchildren, Kimberly and James. So special and unique is that Kimberly bears her middle name “Dean” after her Gram and James bears his first name after his Papa and his second name after our brother “Alan”. Gram and Papa were so proud of these two! You would see the sparkle in Papa’s eyes when he talked about them. Your memories of Gram will always live on within you. One of her favourite sayings to all of us, always was – “love you no matter what”. We all are aware and smile as Doreen would give her opinion without flinching or apology but she never dismissed you for your choice and you were always welcomed to her home. The people that have crossed paths with Doreen have enjoyed her life experiences and her outlook of life. Doreen is survived by one daughter, Cheryl and her husband Floyd Mullaney of Red Deer; one son, Gordon and his wife Carla of Frankford, Ontario; and two grandchildren, Kimberly Mullaney of Blackfalds and James Preece of Trenton, Ontario. Doreen was predeceased by her husband, James, in 1994 and her son, Alan in 1985. The family would like to extend a big thank you to family and friends for their continued support and compassion. The family would also like to thank the staff of the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre and to Revera Retirement Living for the wonderful care they took the years she was a resident. She had so many memories of all the staff and the kindness they extended to her. A Celebration of Doreen’s life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please consider donations to Stars Ambulance, ASPCA or to your favourite charity. “As I turn the last page of the last chapter of my life, I want to say, thank you to all of you who shared – a smile a laugh or a hug. So long – farewell!”