Doreen Bernice Lee (née Fogal)

April 20, 1934 – February 24, 2025

On February 24, 2025, at Lakeridge Gardens, we lost the cornerstone of our family. Doreen was strong, independent, feisty, witty, resourceful, and resilient. She was never one to leave the party early.

Born on April 20, 1934, at her grandparents' farm with her Grandmother Eliza Jane Hunt assisting as a midwife, Doreen spent her early years in Newmarket before moving to Brooklin at age 8. She learned to play the piano well enough to perform at her sister Elda’s wedding. She worked as a switchboard operator before meeting her husband, Cliff. Together, they built a home in Kinsale, where they raised their children. Cliff passed away in 1996.

Doreen had a passion for many hobbies and sports. She was skilled in knitting, sewing, quilting, crocheting, and cross-stitching. She played shuffleboard, lawn bowling, and was an avid Euchre player. She never missed an opportunity to visit a casino, enjoyed cottage adventures, and loved theatre productions. Hosting family and friends was one of her great joys, ensuring everyone always had a good time.

One of her greatest treasures was her red VW Jetta. She loved driving with the sunroof open and Roy Orbison’s *Pretty Woman* playing on the CD player.

Doreen traveled often, visiting Florida for the Daytona 500, celebrating her 40th anniversary with Cliff on the West Coast, and taking a bus tour of England, Scotland, and Ireland—where she learned to make the perfect Irish coffee. She was in Newfoundland during 9/11, visited many U.S. states including Alaska and Hawaii, and embarked on Caribbean cruises with her daughter and grandchildren.

She will be dearly missed by her children, Lynda Dionne and Gordon (Toni), grandchildren Chris Dionne, Andrea Sinclair (Alec), and Laura Dionne. She was a proud great-grandmother to Elise, Juliet, and Trent (whom she, unfortunately, didn’t get to meet). Doreen deeply appreciated the cards, letters, and pictures sent to her over the years by her nephews and nieces.

Predeceased by her parents Earl & Gertie Fogal and her siblings Norma Davis (George), Elda Avery (Harold), and Barbara Burtch (Ken), Doreen's legacy of love and adventure will live on in the hearts of those who knew her.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the staff on 5 West for the excellent care they provided.

In lieu of flowers, donations to the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation would be greatly appreciated.

Online condolences may be shared at McEachnie Funeral Home.

Service Details

Arrangements Entrusted To:
McEachnie Funeral Home
28 Old Kingston Road, Pickering Village, Ajax, ON

Celebration of Life:
Details to be announced at a later date.