Obituary of Doreen Hebert
HEBERT, Doreen-
Surrounded by her family on Wednesday October 25, 2017 at the age of 85. Dear wife of the late William Feeney and the late David Hebert. Loving mother of Kimberley (Kenneth) McAleer, the late Steven, Gordon (Susan), William 'Billy' and Heather (Maria) Feeney. Remembered fondly by her stepchildren Patrick (Deb), Terri (Ron) the late Jimmy and the late Donald. Loved unconditionally by 11 grandchildren, 5 step-grandchildren and their families as well as 1 great-grandson.
We invite you to celebrate her life with us on Monday, October 30, 2017 for visiting from 12-1 p.m. at the eco Life Celebration Centre at the White Chapel of St. John's Norway Cemetery (256 Kingston Rd., at Woodbine). A Memorial Service will follow at 1 p.m. with a private interment on site to follow.
Please share in your memories, photos and sentiments of her life here.
Donations in memory of Doreen can be made to the Children's Aid Foundation of Toronto.
Uniquely entrusted to eco Cremation & Burial Services Inc.
Life Celebrations. Done Differently.
“Enjoy every day” was something often said by Doreen…and she truly did.
Born in Toronto, Ontario, Doreen grew up with her sister Lorraine, and Mother Nellie. Always in-style, she did everything with patience and grace and touched the lives of everyone she knew. It was her mother that introduced her to her future husband- Bill Feeney.
The two knew right away that they were meant for each other and were married in 1952. They loved hosting and spending time with their families and friends.
Shortly after, their world revolved around their five children- Kim, Steven, Gordon, Billy and Heather as they shared many summer’s and fond memories spent at the cottage on Lake Scugog. While raising her children, she worked part-time as an “Eaton’s Girl” downtown.
While her own children grew, she found a fulfilling career at home as a foster-mother for The Children Aids Society of Toronto. She loved each and every child she took in, and thought of them as her own. Her five kids enjoyed having more brothers and sisters in their lives.
Doreen took pride in her home and family, often catering to each and every individual need. For her, it was nothing to be cooking 6 different dinners, ironing jeans for her kids; painting and wallpapering her home all at the same time. It seemed she had the energy of a superwoman. It was common to wake up on a Sunday morning to a table of freshly baked pies and turnovers. Her home was always filled with laughter and love, and you would often hear her say “the more the merrier.”
Her wonderful work as a foster-mother was recognized when she was featured on the television show “Family Finder”. It was a bittersweet decision for her, but she decided to end her career as a foster mother shortly after.
Doreen and Bill were excited to purchase their cottage on Lake Simcoe, which became another space for family and friends to gather and make lasting memories as Taryn, their first grandchild was born. Despite all the antics and pranks her sons-in- law Kenny and Joe pulled, she enjoyed every minute of their teasing, often rolling her eyes and saying “good grief!”
Doreen’s unwavering love for her husband Bill never ended, however she lost him much too soon. She gained newfound strength and optimism through this and took it upon herself to make the best of any situation. She continued her independence through working at Sears and driving again and most importantly, focused her time and energy on her new chapter as a Grandmother- and beloved ‘Nanny’.
She was blessed with constant additions of Grandchildren. After Taryn, came more granddaughters- Amber, Erin and Kristyn. Finally in 1989 and 1990 she welcomed her grandsons, Justin and Ryan. Followed by more granddaughters Shanna and Jennifer. She loved entertaining all eight of her grandchildren at the same time, not only having them in her home but also planning fun outings. She made sure that each and every grandkid felt loved, special and safe.
Doreen always had room in her heart and love in her life, it was around this time she met David Hebert. He was her faithful dance partner, dart teammate and travel companion. She quickly realized that he was a keeper when she noticed him taking on the role of Grandpa Dave to her grandchildren. They were very fortunate to find true love again in one another.
Doreen and David married in 1994, adding stepchildren Pat, Deb, Terri, Jimmy, and Donny to her ever-growing family. This gave her even more grandchildren to love with P.C and Jon, Jennifer, Brian and Joshua.
David and Doreen enjoyed many years together doing what they loved. Attending legion parties, travelling and building great memories with friends when they moved to Belleville, Ontario. They even found time to welcome three more grandchildren into their lives, Clayton, Billie-Jade, and Cole. Despite her age she still had the energy and love to visit and keep up with her growing crew of grandchildren.
In later life David and Doreen moved back to Scarborough to be closer to family and enjoy the company of all, including new additions- Maria, Brad, Theo, Brandon and Kristina. She was lucky to become a great-grandmother with the birth of Mason in 2016.
Doreen’s strength, determination and sense of humor lasted until her final days and were appreciated by her attentive team of caregivers at the nursing home.
She spent her final days surrounded by a constant stream of love and visits by her family that provided her with the peace and dignity she deserved.
If love could have saved you, you would have lived forever.
Rest in peace, we will always love you.
