JEAN DOERN (COLLIE)

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JEAN DOERN
(nee COLLIE)
March 22, 1925 – September 21, 2022

Surrounded by the love of her family, Jean Doern passed away at the age of 97 on September 21, 2022.
Left to cherish her memory are her children, Nancy (Ken White), Allan (Bev); grandchildren, Kathryn (Justin Smith), Stephen (Hannah Fiegenbaum), Jennifer (Kyle Risto), Melanie (Matt Bedard) and great-grandchildren, Bram, Isla and Ryder. She is fondly remembered by her brother Bill (Joan) Collie and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jean married Douglas Doern on August 29, 1947. She was predeceased by Doug (1997); her siblings, Ann, Kay, Grace and their husbands; as well as Doug's six siblings and their spouses.
Jean Collie was born on March 22, 1925 in Stratton, ON to Florence (Dale) and Robert Collie. Her childhood was spent in Oakner, MB, with fond memories of school concerts and field days, helping with the family garden and playing the pump organ. She moved to Winnipeg in 1943 and completed a comptometer course, which led to accounting jobs at Dominion Bridge and Ogilvie's. Always good with numbers, she was the bookkeeper for Westworth United Church for 25 years.
Westworth United Church was central to Jean's life. In her early years, she taught Sunday school. She held many positions in the WA (Women's Auxiliary) and UCW and was honoured with a life membership. She served on the Archives Committee for close to 50 years and co-edited a 40th anniversary book for the church. She made pickles, jams and jellies well into her 80s for the annual Bazaar.
Jean was an organizer. In 1970, she and Doug, along with others, organized the first RCAF 422 Squadron Reunion for those who served in the Second World War. In total, they held 14 reunions, both in Canada and in the United Kingdom. Jean spoke fondly of the friendships made while planning and attending these events.
Jean was a volunteer throughout her life. During the polio epidemic, she canvassed for the March of Dimes. In 2001 (the year of the volunteer) she was honoured to push the switch at the Royal Canadian Mint to produce the first commemorative dime honouring volunteers.
Jean loved to have fun. She had many circles of friends, both near and far and enjoyed hosting or attending gatherings for family and friends. She was fortunate to travel to many places with Doug and later with friends and extended family. She took photos of the events she attended and her albums are numerous.
Above all else, Jean loved her family. She supported her children and encouraged them in their education. She welcomed her son-in-law and daughter-in-law and was thrilled to develop relationships with her four grandchildren. Jean loved to spend Christmas with her family and Doug's extended family. As her siblings passed away, she became the matriarch of the family. Her passing marks the end of a generation in the Doern family.
Jean's physical and cognitive health declined during the COVID years. Thank-you to the staff and residents at The Wellington for 16 years of friendships through active, engaged assisted living and the staff at Brightwater Linden Pointe for providing six months of compassionate physical care.
A celebration of Jean's life will be held at Westworth United Church, 1750 Grosvenor Avenue (at Lanark Street) on Wednesday, October 5 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Dr. Loraine MacKenzie Shepherd officiating. Masks are recommended. Live streaming is also available at https://youtu.be/WlevaNjxc_k or google Westworth United Church YouTube. Interment will be at a later date.
If friends desire, in lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to the Westworth Fund or a charity of your choice.

You can visit Jean's memorial page
at www.seasonsfunerals.com
to share tributes and leave
messages of condolence.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Oct 01, 2022