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Our Mother, Doreen, was a strong, compassionate and loving woman who always went out of her way to help her family – no matter what and always had time for everyone who needed her. Her love as a mother and grandmother was undeniable, this Matriarch was a proud and dignified woman who fought hard and sacrificed greatly through her life for her children. She had a hearty sense of humour, a zest for life and in her own way possessed a strong faith that kept her going through the toughest of times.
Doreen Ann Curran born on Christmas day , December 25, 1931 to Marion Curran. At a time when you could hear such songs as “Dream a Little Dream” by Wayne King and “Brother, Can you Spare a Dime” by E.Y Harburg over the airwaves on a good night and the iconic Maple Leaf Gardens just opened its doors. The grim truth was that this young girl was destined to live through the Great Depression and World War II. Little stopped Mom from enjoying the simplicities in life like riding her bike, helping at home and taking the trek up Pape Avenue from their home on Dundas to her guitar lessons, which she adored. Cherishing her moments on the porch with Granny singing Hymns while playing her guitar, it’s no surprise that her love of music and instruments was passed down to her children. She learned value and perseverance at such a young age which allowed her to become the tenacious woman we all knew. A loving older sister to Margaret, Bill, Wayne and Tom. Instrumental in their young lives, being a care-giver and wonderful sister to them as well as an auntie to her nieces and nephews.
After meeting her future husband Albert Delaney roller-skating, these two shared, many a moment dancing around the rink on Mutual Street. They married in 1949. A devoted and loving wife, they went on to have 8 children; Brian, Linda, Karen, Bob, Bill, Barry, Rick and Gary. Teaching us traditional values and life skills that only a woman of her era could, like how to stretch a dollar and a loaf of bread. She took great pride being a stay at home mom, ensuring we were all well dressed and well fed, with warm lunches on the table when we returned from school. Christmas was her biggest joy, with no shortage of gifts under the tree even when money was scarce. Eventually becoming a loving grandmother, great-grandmother and great great-grandmother to 41 children. Many of whom she babysat or took care of daily further building the loving bonds her many grandchildren treasure.
She began her life again after divorce, showing us all just how strong, independent and determined she was to enjoy it to the fullest. Whether it was gathering together on a Saturday with family, having nights out with friends, or getting up on stage belting out a few of her favorite karaoke songs, this lady knew how to live life.
Surviving two strokes, battling her Dementia with grace, and the final diagnosis of cancer; Mom once again demonstrated immense strength to the very end. Needing little medical intervention, giving us all just a little bit of her with each visit, she gave us all a sense of hope while she tried to hang on. For us.
Answering to Mom, Ma, Nan, Nanny, Dode and auntie Dode; coping without her will be our challenge, leaving a massive hole in our lives on March 2, 2020.
It is an honour for us to stand before you and share our precious memories of our mother. She will be missed by all, but her memory will live on in us all forever. You're finally ‘home’ Ma.
Our Nan,
You are forever in our memories and always in our heart.
Thank you for giving us all that you could with each visit, we will miss you so much.
Love Shell
Remembering my sweet Nanny and how much she loved her entire family.
