Doreene Florance Kerr (nee Niblock)
July 29, 1937 to September 30, 2017
Doreene was born on the farm near Rich Lake, Alberta to William Woods Niblock and Margaret (nee Whitford) Niblock.
As the youngest, once the older siblings left, she was her Dad's helper with the farm chores. She and her Mother were very close.
At age eighteen, Doreene joined the RCAF. After training she was stationed in CFS Lac St. Denis and CFB Cold Lake, and then on to One Air Division Headquarters Metz, France.
She travelled Europe with the girls, in her little red beetle and had many experiences and grand adventures that she shared with us. It was here she met Fred Kerr also in the RCAF. They were married, had their first daughter Beverley, then returned to Canada. Doreene was very proud of her 7 years serving in the RCAF and the Corporal rank she had attained.
The family was transferred to CFB Penhold, Alberta where their second daughter Carol arrived. Then on to Prince George when Fred was transferred to CFS Baldy Hughes.
Doreene enjoyed working for many years as a School Secretary in School District #57, especially with her "little people", the elementary school children. She enjoyed many life long friendships and had fond memories of her time in Prince George.
At age 48, Doreene had cancer and wasn't expected to survive. Those close to Doreene know this just made her fight harder. She went on to have many more years seeing her children through their life experiences and the arrival of grandchildren.
At retirement, they moved to the Fraser Valley to be near the grandchildren, Trevor and Tyson. She devoted her time to be their personal chauffeur in her car with her veteran plates. She took them to and from school, golf, hockey, along with any friends they had with them. She cheered the boys on at all their hockey games.
Doreene's talents included: sewing, canning and baking. She will be missed for her fabulous pies and cinnamon buns that have not been replicated yet.
Doreene was always on the move; she loved to travel whether it was driving to Alberta to see her Mom, cruising through the Panama Canal or attending an RCAF Airwomen's reunion.
As time marched on, she struggled more with the damage caused by the cancer treatments she had years before. Her independent spirit was strong until the end of her journey.
Doreene was predeceased by her parents William and Margaret Niblock, brother Clarence Niblock, sister Josephine Hayward and nephew Kerry Hayward.
She leaves to "carry on": husband Fred, daughters Bev (Shayne Brown) and Carol Kerr, and grandsons Trevor and Tyson Brown.
Also, her brother Royal (Edith), sister Koraley and nieces and nephews.
Special thanks to niece Imogene Walsh (nee Hayward) who was here to support us at Mom's passing.
A private interment will be held at Vedder View Garden Cemetery in Chilliwack where Doreene's ashes will be placed in her "condo" (as she referred to it).
Arrangements by Henderson's Funeral Home.
Donations in her memory may be made to: Chilliwack Hospice Society, Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of your choice.
Joy be with you while you stay, and peace be with you on your way. - Irish Blessing