Doreen GOULD

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GOULD: Doreen Ellen GouldJanuary 19, 1936 ~ April 8, 2009. Doreen died at Riverview Health Centre on Wednesday, April 8, 2009. True to her life long determination for choosing life, she kept death at bay til the last breath. Doreen was predeceased by parents Stan and Ellen Gould of Kenton (and later, Hamiota) Manitoba and by brother, Dr. Donald S. Gould. Doreen is survived by brothers Dr. Fred T. Gould (Donna) and Rev. Earl M. Gould (Joyce) and sister by marriage Shirley (Jack) Codd; nephews Dickson Gould (Judy) and their children William, Richard and David, Jason Gould (Sarah Eyton Gould) and their children Bronwyn and Rory, Donald Gould (Tina) and their children Justin, Brianna and Kyler; nieces Dr. Lisa Gould (Dr. Richard Leicht) and their children Stefan and Anthony, Crystal Gould and daughter Traci-Lynn, Tracy Gould and Heather Codd; first cousin Leila (Cumming) Anderson, as well as so many extended family who were so close to Doreen. Doreen was born on the family farm near Kenton, Manitoba (RM of Woodworth) on January 19, 1936. Doreen, a very active three year old, experienced what would eventually be diagnosed as Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (Still’s Disease). At the age of 24, in the fall of 1960, Doreen made a decision that would have a profound impact on her life story. Though attending school since early childhood had been deemed out of the question because of her handicap, Doreen had listened to CBC radio and read voraciously. Doreen asked for an assessment of her level of education and was given a Grade 12 standing in the Arts. She returned to school with her younger brothers and over the next two years earned a complete Grade 12 standing in all subjects. In the fall of 1962 Doreen moved to Regina to attend university. In 1966 she graduated with a Bachelor of Music Degree (B.Mus) – Voice Major. Doreen later augmented this degree with a Bachelor of Arts Degree (BA) in English. Doreen had started playing the piano at age four. As the rheumatoid arthritis advanced, Doreen nevertheless became an accomplished pianist, playing the keyboard with her knuckles. Doreen was a model to many, but more than that, a profound inspiration to many people as she reached great heights despite significant physical handicap and constant pain. She had the ability to touch so many people, especially teenagers, with her care and compassion. Doreen had her own apartment in Regina and from there made a living as a teacher, specializing in voice and music theory. During these many years, Doreen, in her sub-terranian Hamilton Street apartment, offered a frequent gathering place for the academic and music world of Regina. As the vagaries of the arthritis advanced, living in the apartment was no longer sustainable. Putting it off as long as she could, Doreen finally agreed to a move to Wascana Centre and made the move with amazing resolve. In August of 2004, Doreen made another significant decision; to return to Manitoba, to Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg, to be closer to her family. Doreen’s “family” reached far beyond her next of kin to include relatives, students and life-long friends. She made friends easily and was amazingly astute at remembering birthdays and anniversaries. Doreen’s family wish to thank all who gave so much of themselves, enabling Doreen to have quality of life. We offer particular thanks and commendation to the staff of Wascana in Regina and latterly Pat Yamada and staff of CD4 in Riverview Health Centre in Winnipeg. A service to celebrate Doreen’s life will be held on Saturday, May 2 at 10:30 a.m., at Trinity United Church, 933 Summerside Avenue (Fort Richmond) in Winnipeg, Manitoba. A service of interment will take place on Sunday, May 3, at 2:00 p.m. at Rosewood Memorial Gardens (approximately 5 kms west of Brandon on #1A) with reception following in the Victoria Inn, 3550 Victoria Avenue, in Brandon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Arthritis Society of Manitoba, 105 – 386 Broadway Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3C 3R6 or a charity of one’s choice. Neil Bardal Inc. (204) 949-2200. nbardal.mb.ca

As published in Brandon Sun on May 01, 2009