WHITE, Doreen May
(nee Dobinson)
October 16, 1936 ~ February 10, 2016
After an extended battle with Pulmonary Fibrosis, Doreen’s passing was graced with the peace for which she hoped. A life-long resident of Nanaimo - a place she loved, she was raised in a close and loving family. In her younger years Doreen was kept busy by a myriad of interest - elocution studies, drama classes, Girl Guides, Majorettes and the Teen Town radio show. The year 1954 was a particularly memorable one of Doreen. Not only was she her graduating class’s valedictorian, that was also the year she became engaged to the love of her life, Jim. Together they raised four daughters. Jim passed away in 2007 after 52 years of marriage.
Doreen had careers in both banking and municipal government. She always had a head for numbers and was a careful record-keeper. Her organizational abilities also served her well as a member of the Grads of ‘54 Reunions Committee. She was grateful for the opportunity that group gave her to reconnect with so many dear friends. For many years Doreen and Jim were avid 5 pin bowlers. Later in life Doreen joined the Bowen Carpet Bowling Seniors group and rediscovered the thrill of the game and the joy of friendships born out of shared interests.
In their retirement years, Doreen and Jim moved into a seniors’-living park, a good base from which to launch their many RV travels. They truly enjoyed their last home and made many friends there. Doreen began producing a neighborhood newsletter as a vehicle with which to share the park residents’ news. Thanks to the dedicated care of daughter and son-in-law, Jaclyn and Richard Lightburn, Doreen was able to remain in the home she loved during the majority of her illness.
Doreen was predeceased by her parents, Jim and Eileen Dobinson. She is survived by her four daughters and their families: Janice and Bill Halstead and their daughter Gemma Halstead; Jaclyn and Richard Lightburn and their son and daughter-in-law Buddy and Lynzee Lightburn, and their children Cassidy, Blaine and Nicole; Joni White and her children Jaymi, Robert and Eadon Cunningham; and Joy Guyot and her partner Michelle Nagy-Deak and their children, Dylan and Aaron Guyot, and Caitlyn and David Nagy-Deak. Also left to mourn Doreen’s passing are her brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Margaret Dobinson; their children Jim Dobinson and Catherine Dobinson and their families; her brother-in-law Bud White; and a number of cousins.
The family would like to thank Doreen’s doctors: Dr. Andrew Baird, Dr. K. Park, and Dr. D. Uchman, as well as her Palliative Care team. Doreen also had very helpful and caring neighbors. The family would especially like to thank Frank and Shirley Dundass and Margaret Parker.
As per Doreen’s wish, no service will be held.