Doreen MENNIE

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MENNIE: Doreen Ann Mennie July 24,1931–February 13,2011It is with deep sadness we announce the peaceful passing of Doreen Mennie (nee Cochrane) on Sunday Feb. 13, 2011 at Brummitt-Feasby ALS House in Winnipeg with her two daughters and sister at her side following a short but brave battle with ALS. Doreen was predeceased by her parents Wilkie and Elva Cochrane, her husband Donald, her sisters Velma and Aileen, brother-in-law Don Bray, and nephews Brian and Christopher Cochrane. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughters Cheryl (Doug) Durnin and Val Mennie, her wonderful granddaughters Ainslie (Gerard) Viscido and Susan Durnin, and her siblings Joyce (Boyd) Lief, Gay Bray, Maurice (Janet), Gary (Loraine), Neville (Judy), Fred, and numerous relations of both the Cochrane and Mennie families. Doreen was born and raised in the Hamiota area and worked in Jamieson’s Dry Goods Store until meeting and marrying Don. They spent a few years in Brandon where they met many life-long friends. They moved to Harding to begin their career in the grocery business operating a general store/lunch counter/gas pump. They moved to Hamiota several years later where they purchased and ran the Hamiota IGA for fourteen years. After retiring from the grocery business Doreen turned her attention to the craft activities she loved – sewing, knitting, quilting, and baking. She was on the board of directors of the Hamiota Agricultural Society for many years and entered many of her sewing and baking goodies in the fair. Family was important to Doreen as she helped coordinate many family reunions, working on her family’s history. She and Don enjoyed travelling and visited relatives from Ontario to B.C. They travelled into Winnipeg to be part of their granddaughter’s activities as much as they could, being very happy and proud of their accomplishments. Doreen was active in the Rebecca Lodge for many years. She and Don were active Lions members and they enjoyed square and old time dancing. Doreen continued these interests when she moved into Winnipeg to be closer to her daughters. Doreen continued travelling – an Alaskan cruise, visits toToronto and Baltimore. Grateful thanks to Dr. Janice Richman-Eisenstat, nurses Karen and Doris, Diana Rasmussen, and all the staff at Brummitt-Feasby ALS House. A memorial service will be held on Thursday, February 17, 2011 at the United Church in Meadowood, 1111 Dakota St, Winnipeg, Manitoba at 2:00 p.m. A graveside committal service will be held at the Hamiota Cemetery, Hamiota, Manitoba on Friday, February 18, 2011 at 1:30 p.m. Following the interment, a memorial service and reception will take place at the Hamiota Community Centre, Hamiota, Manitoba at 2:00 p.m. For those so desiring, donations can be made in Doreen’s memory to the ALS Society of Manitoba, c/o Brummitt-Feasby ALS House, 493 Madison Street, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3J 1J2 or to the Manitoba Lions Trail of Hope, 105-691 Wolseley Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba, R3G 1C3. Messages of condolence to the Mennie family can be sent at www.campbellfuneralhome.ca. Campbell Funeral Home, Hamiota are in care of arrangements. (866) 620-2744.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 16, 2011