Doreen Emminette Christina McFadden (Grannary)
March 10, 1937- June 7, 2024
On June 7, with sunlight shining through the windows, Doreen passed away peacefully with her son Burke and sisters Judy and Susie by her side. She had been visited by Lorna and Tim with phone calls with her son Cam and sister Michi. A letter was read from her sister Gay on behalf of the family, and then Susie played Spanish Eyes, Fly Me to the Moon, and Dance Me to the End of Love as Doreen departed and was welcomed with love.
Born to parents Leah Rachel St. James and Alfred James Grannary, as the eldest of eleven children, she became the matriarch of the family. Doreen lost both parents at a young age. She is predeceased by her loving husband Cam, parents Leah and Alfred, brothers Kurt and Earl.
She is survived by her two sons: Cam (Monica) and Burke (Lorna) and her eight siblings: Arthur (Diane); Gay; Terry (Robert); Judy (Bruce): Peter (Cathy); Suzanne (Andy); Michilynn; and Nancy (John), many nieces, nephews and their growing families. She is remembered by many McFadden’s, Grannary’s, St. James, and Dubeau relatives across Canada and the US: the list is simply too great to mention.
Nieces Sonia Leach and Kim McFadden kept in contact with Doreen during special events and holiday occasions through cards, letters and phone calls. Doreen was loved by her lifelong friend, Louise Finlayson Jefferys whom she met at Feller when she was a child. They never missed an opportunity to catch up with each other through lengthy phone calls.
Doreen fell head over heels in love and married Cameron McFadden in Montreal in 1966. Sweethearts until his passing in 1999, she continued to refer to him as ‘mon cheri’. They spent many years living in Dorval, Quebec, then moving to British Columbia in 74 for work when Young Cam and Burke were small children. Driving into Tsawwassen Doreen noticed all the young kids playing on the street in Beach Grove and knew in her heart that this is where they would call home. All the connections the boys made there as children are still connected today 50 years later. Their house was a gathering place for many special occasions and celebrations with friends and family.
After the passing of “Big Cam” Doreen lived in Cochrane, Alberta where she made many friends, especially Kelly Kimmett and the employees at the drugstore where she worked. Lovingly remembered for her calming voice and laughing eyes with a smile that lit up a room.
Her generosity and kindness were felt at all times, especially at Christmas when she became Santa and made all of our dreams come true. Doreen never missed a special occasion for her family. No matter how far away she had to travel, she would be there. Her husband Cam was equally generous, and between the two of them they brought much joy in everyone’s life.
The family gives a heartfelt thanks to the Interior Health home support team, the wonderful staff at Mill Creek and the doctors, nurses, care aids and staff at Kelowna General Hospital. You are angels and we are grateful for the work that you do.
Doreen’s ashes will be laid to rest with Cam (Mon Cheri) in Tsawwassen, British Columbia at the Boundary Bay Cemetery on July 15, 2024, on what would have been their 58th wedding anniversary. A celebration of her life is being planned in Knowlton, Quebec in the fall of 2024. In lieu of flowers, we ask that those who wish to offer condolences can send a donation in remembrance to Baptist Housing or KGH Foundation. The most important thing to do is this quote from Doreen. “Go, be happy and enjoy your Life,” “Bye for Now”
May the circle be unbroken.
