The family of Doreen "Dee" Witzell announces her passing peacefully at 90 years of age in Calgary. She was a beloved matriarch of the family — mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother, a kind, loving and gentle soul.

Born in Fort William and raised during the years of the Great Depression and WWII, having 11 siblings, Doreen knew the lessons of sharing and sacrifices, compassion, and hard work. These values she embodied in her lifelong vocation as a nurse and educator. Along with her work, she was the mother of five children Denise, Jeff (Wendy), and Mars (Lily); her daughter Colette and son Adrian predeceased her. Doreen also lived to enjoy her seven grandchildren Rae, Joel, Sean (Lisa), Manny (Monica), Adrienne (Curtis), Lukas, and Gabrielle (Eddie); and four great-grandchildren Camron, Zoe, Kayden, and Caelen.

Mom's working and family life had us living all across Canada, "the greatest country in the world" she'd say, as she tirelessly cared for those in need—for the sick and dying, rich or poor, "do no harm, we're all God's children"…

However humble and modest in nature, Mom made us proud of her accomplishments during her forty-plus years of service in healthcare across three provinces, especially given the inequality of working women in her day. Doreen's students at the College of Nurses of Ontario achieved the highest marks in the province, she pioneered the opening and management of provincially funded daycare facilities, home care nursing services, district health services, and in the 1970s was one of few women ever appointed to the Ontario Hospital Association Board of Directors.

But it wasn't all business all the time. Mom loved dancing, singing (she had her own choir within her own family), playing cards particularly bridge, and picking berries; Mom loved her jam! She was a great cook, especially the roast beef or turkey dinners with all the trimmings on Sundays, family times, and holidays. Mom loved and found her peace relaxing next to the waves; be they oceanside, Great Lakes, or the sea of wheat and canola fields of the Prairies..." majestic bliss" she would say, and then recite from memory some lines of her favorite poems.

Mom was an inspiration to her family, well respected by colleagues and peers, a trusted and kind friend, yet down to earth; may her spirit carry on in all of us…

"There is a hallowed moment from another day so missed

Yet finally arrives revealing life's meaning having come to this

It's in that darkest hour, or in that bright and morning sun

Your spirit comes to me and we are one."