Doreen Switzer

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Doreen Switzer, age 90 years, passed away at Broadview Hospital on Wednesday, February 7, 2024. This is an obituary for a great woman, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was born on January 30, 1934, in Gronlid, SK. She was the daughter of Ross and Granny (Elizabeth) Dyer.

Doreen was predeceased in death by her loving parents, Ross and Elizabeth; her sisters, Hazel (Arnold), Bernice and Dora (Lyn); and her beloved pets. She was also predeceased by in-laws Clement and Margaret, Ross (Audrey), Doug (Robbie) (Stella), Howie (Arlene), Maxine (George) (Bill), Marge (George) (Dave), Robert (Jim Swanson).

The family and Mom’s three sisters (Hazel, Bernice and Dora) moved to Dunster, BC, where her father worked for a lumber mill in McBride. They had a farm and raised cows and sheep, which had very creative names (Horny, Snotty and Blackie); they were a part of many stories told. The family worked hard shearing the sheep to sell wool and make wool blankets that are still a part of our family. Doreen attended Lee School and made lifelong friends there whom she kept in contact with for the rest of her life.

Mom’s dad, Ross, passed away when Mom was only 15 years old, and she and her eldest sister lived with neighbours while her mother worked as a matron at a high school dormitory. The younger two sisters were able to live with their mother due to age limitations at the dormitory. She fondly remembered her classmates and the area in which she grew up. She loved the mountains and attended school reunions whenever she was able. After graduating from McBride High in 1952, Mom moved to Regina and worked in a telephone office for a short time. She then visited Grenfell, SK, to see her sister, Hazel, and worked at a local merchant store in town. This is when she met her husband-to-be, Vern; they were married for 66 years. Mom and Dad married in 1957 and had two children (Lee and Kelly). Mom loved us both and dedicated her time to us.

Mom loved anything nature. She loved her flowers and her garden at the farm. As kids, we started our collections of leaves, butterflies and rocks, while Mom shared all of her knowledge of nature with us, such as the names of constellations, trees, various butterflies, plants, birds and wildlife. Mom could determine birds just by hearing their songs.

Mom enforced a hard work ethic in us at an early age with chores such as weeding, picking peas and berries, feeding cows, and helping with farm tasks. She made prepping and cooking look effortless when it came to taking meals out to the field at harvest time. These are some of our great memories. Mom always made time to take us to swimming lessons at the lake, specifically July 20, 1969 (the year the man landed on the moon). These historic moments were always significant to Mom. She was a competitive badminton player, taking home trophies from tournaments all around Southeast Saskatchewan. She also took home medals playing badminton doubles with us at the Pipe-si-cana Games at the age of 52, despite the critics. She then, at the age of 62, also won a medal playing mixed with Lee. Mom loved camping; she and Dad would go every summer and enjoyed trying new campgrounds. They went on an Alaskan cruise and toured the East Coast with her sister, Bernice. Mom and I went out to visit Bernice in Burlington, where we toured the butterfly conservatory; it was a favourite stop of ours.

Mom was an active and cherished member of her community; this involved the badminton, cross country skiing and curling clubs. She took part in the ladies’ bonspiels every year and showed dedication to the art club, the United Church and the museum. She made lifelong friends here whom she very much cherished.

Mom owned a craft store, Craft Capers, in Grenfell for ten years. She was so talented with her art capabilities, such as her realist painting, for which she is known. She painted with every medium possible. Mom also made handwoven willow baskets and enjoyed every step which that entailed. If there was ever an opportunity to take a community college class for art, she would be eager to enroll, saying “you learn something from each one”.

Mom’s creative and endless energy were qualities she shared with her three grandchildren (Shane, Dana and Joshua). She loved her grandchildren endlessly and spent all her time with them. She was always active with them, whether it be cross country skiing, painting rocks or playing badminton and hockey. Anything the kids asked her to do, she was always up for it. Mom became a great-grandma in 2021 to Royer (Shane, Kelly B), whom she loved dearly.

We feel blessed and grateful to have had you as our great-grandma, grandma, mom and wife. We miss you so much; love from Royer, Shane and Kelly B, Dana, Joshua, Kelly, Lee and Vern. Left to mourn are Lloyd (June), Adele, Earl (Peggy), Don (Janet), Ricki and numerous nieces and nephews.

My mom was the strongest woman I’ve ever met. She wasn’t afraid of anyone or anything. All who loved her dearly will never forget her kind heart, her grace and whit, her sparkling smile and laughter and her unwavering love for her family.