Obituary of Doreen Mae Fijal

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Doreen Mae Fijal (nee: Workman) on November 27, 2023, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Doreen passed peacefully at St. Boniface Hospital with her family by her side.

A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother with a love for cooking and passion for gardening, she survived her late husband Norm of over 50 years. She was a caring mother to her two sons, Wade (Jackie) and Kyle (Shari).  Doreen was a proud grandmother to Kelsey, Dylan, Justin, Carson, Alex, and Carter.

Doreen was born on January 28, 1941, in Birtle, Manitoba to the late Kenneth and May Workman. She grew up on a farm near Solsgirth, Manitoba. She is predeceased by brother Elmer (Jackie); and survived by sisters Verna (David), Lorraine (Doug), Olive, and brother Garnet.

She possessed strength and courage to guide her though many physical illnesses over the years. But she was always a kind and gentle soul, willing to lend a helping hand, Doreen was a great listener with always a kind word to say. She will be deeply missed by all.

There are many holes that will be hard to fill in all our lives.  Who will be there for election night pizza parties to watch the results? The delicious perogies, cabbage rolls and dainties at Christmas time. Those wonderful fresh tomatoes from the garden in the summer. These are some tough shoes to fill.

The family wishes to thank Alterna Cremation for their care and support in this difficult time. A private family service will be held at a later date.

 

The Homemaker

She works around the clock it seems

Washing clothes and cleaning things.

 

At times content, at times despairing,

But always there and always caring.

 

Taking on the daily tasks,

Responding to the voice that asks:

 

 “Mom, have you….” you know the rest.

But do you know how mothers bless?

 

Mothers run a home, that’s true.

But there’s much more to what they do.

 

Beyond the making of a house

They make a life, they lift a spouse.

 

They raise up doctors, raise up teachers.

They raise managers and preachers.

 

They raise architects, and builders,

Soldiers, presidents, center fielders.

 

Every daughter, every son;

The homemaker shaped every one.

 

Our lifetimes bear a mother’s seal,

 Because mothers, make love real.

 

Copyright © Tom Valles | Year Posted 2017