Skip to content

Doreen Wilma BLACK(previously Steel) (nee Macpherson)

April 27, 2012

Black_Doreen

February 22nd, 1925 - April 27th, 2012

It’s with great sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our loving Mother, Grandma and Friend, Doreen, on April 27th, 2012 while in the Palliative Care Unit at Nanaimo Hospital, surrounded by all her family.

Doreen was predeceased by parents: Ethel and Ronald Macpherson; Stepfather, Bill Breary; first Husband, Alex (Lex) Steel; second Husband, Walter Black; two Brothers, Donald and Bob and Sister, Leora.

Doreen is survived by her daughters, Pat Lewis (Ted) and Jan McKinstry (John); grandchildren, Brian (Marie), Sarah, Kristy (Anomi) and Tyler, her loving canine companions, Maggie-Mae and Jake; and many dear friends that she cherished through her journey of life.

Doreen was born and raised in Solsqua, BC, the 2nd youngest of 5. At the age of 18, she moved to Vancouver where she went to work for Spencers (later known as

Eatons). There she met Alex Steel and soon they were married. They built their home in Copper Cove, West Vancouver, where they raised their family. Copper Cove remained home until 1977, when Doreen and Lex decided to go their separate ways. Before too long, Doreen met the 2nd love of her life, Walter Black, to whom she married in 1981. Doreen retired from Eatons in 1980 and she and Walter spent the next 19 years, dancing, travelling the world and enjoying each other’s company. Sadly, Walter passed away in 1999 and shortly afterwards, Doreen moved to North Vancouver. In 2003, Doreen moved to Parksville, where she called home for the remaining 9 years. Doreen and Jan made several trips together; to the Okanagan, visiting Doreen’s family and friends; down the Oregon Coast; Las Vegas and finally, Doreen’s last vacation was in October, 2011 when she spent 2 weeks in Cancun, Mexico with both Jan and Pat.

Doreen took sick in November 2011 and was in and out of the hospital several times over the remaining 5 months but her sense of humor, quick wit and wonderful spirit remained with her until the end.

Doreen loved her flowers and the trees and she always marveled at all the little bunnies

running wild though the yard and in her garden.

A very special “Thank You” to Katherine Gilmour, Doreen’s extraordinary caregiver. Katherine, you gave mom so much pleasure with your smile, your caring, your wonderful imagination and all your creative activities. You always had mom’s very best interests at heart, which gave us such peace in knowing that mom was safe, active and happy while she was in your care.

Thank you Dr. McClure for all your support and kindness you showed mom over the years, especially during the last difficult 5 months. Thank you to ALL the nurses,

doctors, hospitalists and staff in Nanaimo Hospital,

especially in the Emergency Department, the 5th floor and the Palliative Care Unit. You are all incredible in what you do and we appreciate you all so much.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Palliative Care Unit at the Nanaimo Hospital would be greatly appreciated.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, August 19th at 2:30pm at Jan’s residence, in Parksville.



Secondary Title

Your condolences will be approved within one business day. You will need a valid Facebook account. Please email us if you have any questions.