Doreen Laye (Valin/Heath), a resident of Fort Macleod, passed away peacefully, surrounded by her family, on Wednesday, April 18, 2018.
Doreen is survived by her four daughters, Sherry Heath (Flint Laroye), Sheila Heath (Ian Henderson), Paddy Juniper (Ken), Lynn Clarke (Darren) and one son, Greg Heath (Karen).
Doreen was very proud of her 10 grandchildren, Darren (Colleen), Garett (Shayla), Scott (Angela), Mandy, Kaylee, Scott, Lauren, Kristen (Corey), Ryan (Jessika) and Alyssa; and 17 great grandchildren, Bret, Zach, Flora, August, Caleb, Bentleigh, Darian, Declan, Silver, Darby, Juniper, Izabella, Mischa, Easton, Gage, William and Madilynn.
Doreen is survived by her sister Frieda (Bob); four brothers, Cliff, Elmer (Betty), Dale (Doris) and Wayne (Dorothy); and one sister-in-law, Dorothy.
Doreen was predeceased by her parents, Andrew and Vera Valin; two brothers, Stuart (Merle) and Scotty; and one nephew, David.
Doreen was born on March 25, 1935 and raised in Brownvale, Alta., where she met and married Gerry Heath. They raised five children together at the family farm in Berwyn.
Doreen was a “damn good cook” and was known as a hard-working woman who excelled at anything she put her mind to. The last years of her life were spent in the Fort Macleod area where she made many friends. She will be very missed.
Doreen’s wishes were that she be cremated and her ashes placed at the base of her mother’s gravesite at Griffin Creek, Alta. In light of Mom’s wishes, the family wishes to advise that a celebration of life will be held on Saturday, June 23, 2018, when all the children can gather to carry out Mom’s wishes.
Special thanks are extended to Dr. Beekman and Fort Macleod Extendicare staff. Words cannot express how thankful the family is for the excellent care and compassion extended to our mother in her final years.