February 23, 1947 - February 22, 2021
After a hard-fought battle, Doreen Faye Chadney (nee Aldag) passed away on February 22, 2021, one day shy of her 74th birthday. She leaves behind her devoted husband of 52 years, Donald Arthur Chadney, her three loving children Rhonda (Rees), Renae (Richard) and Randy (Laura), her siblings Barry (Pat), Linda (Leo) and Roger (Joanne), six grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Doreen was born on February 23rd, 1947 in Gull Lake, Saskatchewan to the late Louie and Alice Aldag. She grew up on the "farm" in an adoring family: these early times helped to shape the kind, caring and tenacious person that she would become.
She spoke fondly of her childhood and valued the closeness that only a family of six, who shared a two-bedroom farmhouse, could develop. One of her favourite memories was when her and her sister would sneak out at night to go for horseback rides on Spider and Prince. Later, with her own family in tow, she would return to the farm where animated and extended card games were bound to happen.
Doreen completed high school in 1964 and immediately started nursing school in Medicine Hat, Alberta graduating in 1967. She was an exceptional nurse who dedicated the latter part of her career to working in extended care. She supported and cared for her charges and their families during their most difficult and trying times. Her gentle and nurturing soul comforted all.
Doreen met Don when his troop from the RCMP academy crashed their nurses party: she asked him to dance, and they would spend the next 53 years in each other's arms. They married on November 30th, 1968 and made the move to Prince George, BC, where they would start their careers, family, and life together. Their three children came along quickly, and money was tight, but together, they created a home that was happy and full of love.
Many cherished family memories were created while camping, fishing, and picking berries. Don's career would see them transferred often; Doreen never complained—she would have followed him anywhere. Theirs was a true and inspirational love story and blessed were those who shared in it.
Doreen was known as "Nana" to her six treasured grandchildren Kaeden, Shaina, Chelsie, Tristan, Kyra, and Brynn. She spoiled them endlessly and loved being the one to which the kids turned when their moms or dads were not giving in to their demands! No matter what, Nana would always be on their side.
Doreen took pride in attending to every detail in her home and garden which gave her great satisfaction. Her garden lights and gnomes brought her immense joy, and she could putter the days away outside moving them from one spot to another. She was known to be a sunworshipper and would relax in her handmade crocheted bikinis for hours.
She also loved watching sports, especially football, hockey, curling and softball. If her kids or grandkids were playing, that was even better— she and Don would travel anywhere to watch them play. She was the best fan and would cheer equally for both sides!
The family would like to thank the amazing staff and residents of Castleview Care Center for their unwavering kindness and compassion. They never failed to share Doreen's hilarious one-liners for which she was famous; her quick wit kept the staff in stitches! Special thanks to Dr. Merritt for always being available and for walking the family through so many different and scary stages in Doreen's illness.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date when Doreen's loved ones can once again gather. In the meantime, the family will continue to honour and to remember Doreen as the beautiful, funny, caring, and kind woman that she was. Doreen loved and was loved every second of her life: this goodbye does not mean forever it just means we will miss you until we meet again.