Doreen Anderson

1925 - 2019

Doreen Marguerite Anderson (nee Riley), was reunited with her forever sweetheart Heber in the early hours of Sunday, July 28, 2019, after a full and rich life of 93 years.

A private burial service was held at the Barnwell Cemetery prior to the funeral service.

Relatives and friends were invited to meet with the family at the church prior to the funeral service on Saturday, August 3, 2019 between 11:00 A.M. and 11:40 A.M.

The Funeral Service was held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 14 - 3 Avenue East, Barnwell on Saturday, August 3, 2019 at 12:00 P.M.

Doreen is survived by her seven children Rick (Dixie) Anderson of Barnwell, Laurie Stone of Calgary, Craig Anderson of Barnwell, Bill (Tammy) Anderson of Barnwell, Kent (Lori) Anderson of DeWinton, Ronda Anderson of Cardston and Brad (Tanya) Anderson of Regina; thirty grandchildren, fifty seven great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Dennis (Brenda) Riley of Parksville, British Columbia and several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband Heber Anderson in 2002, her brother William Roy (Doriene) Riley and sister-in-law Fay Riley.

Grandma D or Grandma Dreams as the grandchildren called her, was a truly unique individual. She was a person who related to both young and old. Doreen had an incredible sense of humour and love for people. Rarely was there not a car in the driveway of a friend or family member to enjoy her quick wit and love of conversation. It was not unusual for her to chat on the phone for hours. Many of her children and grandchildren were lucky enough to inherit traits and attributes such as a love of talking and laughing with friends and family. Many have her brown eyes or curly hair. Her memory for detail was amazing and she loved to share stories with those that were lucky enough to call her a friend.

Doreen had many interests including reading which motivated her in being instrumental in opening Barnwell’s first library. The people she chose for her library board were a diverse group because she felt the community’s needs would be best served with people who had a unique perspective. Both Doreen and Heber had friends that came from a wide variety of ethnic and social backgrounds.

Doreen was a person who loved music. Hours on end would be spent in her sun room listening to the likes of Josh Groban or Pavarotti. She had a beautiful singing voice and sang for many years at special events with her friends Hazel Tanner and Jean Jensen. A highlight in her music career was singing with the Canadian Singing Mothers with her church in the Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Doreen served in many capacities with The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, demonstrating her faith and through these, cultivated many life long friendships.

Having had our mother, grandmother and friend in our lives has made us all richer and encouraged us all to strive to be better people. Doreen will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at the Linden View Care Centre. Their compassion and care are much appreciated.