NELSON, Doreen (Nettleton)

1931 - 2020

Doreen Nelson passed away, peacefully, in her home on June 4, 2020. She will be greatly missed by her husband of almost 65 years, Bill, her children Kellie, Krista, Stuart, and Cameron, their spouses Blake, Jim, Catherine and Anna and her beloved grandchildren, Matthew, Kevin, Jenny, Trevor, Sarah, Cam, Peter, Christopher and Blake. Doreen enjoyed a full and happy life and, during her final years of living with dementia, she maintained her spirit of kindness and grace. Doreen was a thoughtful and caring person who always put the needs and concerns of others ahead of her own. Family and community were the two pillars throughout her life, much of which was spent in New Westminster. She was active in the Queens Avenue United Church, served on the New Westminster Police Board, and was active in numerous charities, including the PEO women’s club, which raises funds to support women in their postsecondary education. In her later years, Doreen enjoyed her home and community in Ocean Park and Crescent Beach, hosting with Bill countless family events. Doreen was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandparent, and friend; loving and supportive, while having an inner strength and resolve that could be summoned when required. She was rarely the centre of attention, yet she made a strong impression on people. Words like "poise," "grace," "elegance," and "beauty" were often used to describe her. Cousin Sonny Nelson may have summed up the essence of Doreen best: "Doreen had a lot of nice in her." A special thanks to Maricel and Maya, and to all of those that provided care and support for Doreen. The family will honour Doreen in a private ceremony. In lieu of flowers, we invite people to donate to Chapter B PEO Sisterhood, c/o M. Lynn, 217 Sandringham Ave, New Westminster, B.C. V3L 1Z4. For information, contact chapterb_bc@shaw.ca.