Obituary of Doreen Kathleen Gates

Doreen passed away peacefully in her 85th year at Valley Park Lodge on November 6, surrounded by her family. She was born in New Ross, Nova Scotia, on May 20, 1938, to Charles (2004) and Marguerite (2004) Reeves. Doreen was the beloved wife of the late Vernon Gates (1998) and is survived by her sister Vienna (Haldon) Reeves.

Doreen was a loving and devoted mother to Kevin (Susan), Patricia (Don), David, Paul (Late Debbie), Susan (Sid) and the late Peter Gates (2023) (Late Sandra). She will be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren Ashlee (Owen), Shannon (Will), Amanda, Dustin (Becca), Jon, Eddy (Amanda), Tony (Ashley), Melyssa (Jeff) and the late Mark.

Doreen will be missed dearly by her great-grandchildren: Lillyen, Leilani, Ava, Hailey, Joshua, Andrew, Jaden, Arizona, Amber (Eric), Riley (Sky), Taylor (Jimmie), Caleb, Tristian, Jayden, Maverick, Olivia, Everleigh, Nakyla, Landon, Eastton and Ophelia, as well as her six great-great-grandchildren: Sophia, Spencer, Wyatt, Lennox, Haven and Amaya. She will be fondly missed by her dear friends and neighbours.

Doreen was an avid baseball fan and enjoyed watching her Toronto Blue Jays win or lose. She loved watching her Jeff Gordon races when they were on tv, and she could be found every Sunday night playing Kiwanis TV Bingo with her kitty cat sidekick Blackie, aka Muffin, aka Phantom. She always had a candy dish full of Werther’s Original and a freezer full of ice cream (Grapenut was her favourite). She loved her sweets especially the family recipe for bird’s nest cookies and shortbread made by her granddaughter. She loved playing solitaire, watching Coronation Street, and, of course, loved her signature Oscar de la Renta perfume.

Her final days were made brighter by a visit from Shannon, Will, and her most recent great-granddaughter, Ophelia, who came up from PEI. She very much enjoyed the time she could spend holding her great-grandbaby while she smiled. Blew bubbles and played with her precious feet.

A special thanks go out to the staff at Valley Park Lodge and Hotel Dieu Shaver Rehabilitation Centre for all the excellent care and love they gave Doreen over the last several months. In keeping with Doreen's wishes, cremation has taken place. Arrangements are entrusted with Essentials Cremation and Burial Services. Memorial donations may be made to the Hotel Dieu Shaver if desired.