Davida “Doreen” Dodd was born October 7, 1949 in the old Souris Hospital. She passed away on May 28, 2023 at the Souris Personal Care Home. She was the youngest child of David and Theresa (Prevost) Bianco. Doreen grew up on the family farm in the Terrance district where she formed a love for animals, baking, gardening, flowers and family. She attended Millan School and Souris School. In 1963 Doreen met her soul mate Allan at the skating rink and spent the rest of her life with him. Allan and Doreen were married June 15, 1968 at the United Church in Souris. During their early marriage, they resided at Hayfield Manitoba and it was there that their family began. Treena was born in 1969, Kim in 1970 and Robin in 1973.
Mom’s first job was a teller at the Royal Bank in Souris. Once their family started, Mom dedicated her time to being a full time Mom and Wife Mom and Dad moved to the family Dairy/Grain Farm, Shirelane Ayrshire’s, where they farmed and milked cows with Dad’s parents. After we started school, Mom once again joined the work force and began her career with Public Health, starting out as a Home Care Worker and shortly after as the Home Care Resource Co-ordinator. She loved her job and continued with it until her retirement, 30+ years later. Mom loved caring for people and this was, by all means, the perfect job for her.
Together, Mom and Dad started Yatara Stables Arabians very early in their marriage. Mom made many show cloths for her family including our stable decorations which won numerous awards. As a family, we spent many years showing our Purebred and Partbred Arabian Horses. When Mom and Dad retired from the show ring, they continued to spent most summer weekends hauling their girls and horses around to local fairs and Provincial Arabian Show. Horses were a passion of hers from a very young age. She volunteered as the Secretary for the Manitoba Arabian Horse Association as well as the show secretary for many of the Provincial Shows for many years. Together they also started and led the Souris 4-H Pony Club, the Souris Trailblazers. So many memories were made with our friends which became known as our “Horse Family”. Mom and Dad purchased a purebred mare from Maple Ridge BC and flew her home as a weanling. Delli and Mom took the show ring by storm winning almost every show they entered. The highlight was the year Delli won High Point Senior Purebred Mare, Mom and her had an unbreakable bond.
After retirement Mom was able to enjoy spending more time at home with Dad, her horses and her beloved dogs. She took up knitting and made something for everyone!
Once the Grandchildren arrived, Mom and Dad put many miles on the vehicles following them around to every school event, sport event or taking them to the park for a play and ice cream. She absolutely adored each and every one of them. As they grew up, she loved wresting with them and teasing them, Mom had a great sense of humor and a heart of gold.
In 2015 Mom was diagnosed with Dementia. She remained at home with the Love of her Life as her caregiver for 6 years. As her dementia progressed Mom was moved into the Souris Personal Care home where she spent the past 2 years. Dad was a constant visitor and never left her side. In the early morning hours of May 28, 2023 the sun set on Mom’s journey in this world. She left us peacefully, surrounded by her family and love, so very much love. We miss her laugh, sense of humor, smiles, hugs and famous back rubs. Dad misses his beloved wife and we miss our dear Mom. Her love lives on through memories and through all of us.
Doreen was predeceased by her parents, Dave and Theresa Bianco, an infant brother, her parents in-law Bill and Roberta Dodd, brothers in-law Bob Thomson and Brian Lee and nephew Perry (Susan) Thomson. Holding her memories and love tight are her beloved husband Allan of 54 years, daughters Treena (Wade) Winters, Kim (Jim) Draper and Robin Dodd. Her Grandchildren and lights of her life Candace (Cory) Warden, Andrew Draper, Ryan Winters (Ashlyn), Paul Winters and Cory Winters. And the reasons Mom received the nickname “Baby Hog”, her Great Grandchildren Nash and Nora Warden. Also surviving are Doreen’s sister Shirley Thomson, brother and sister in-law Doug (Linda) Dodd, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
A Celebration of Life was held at the Souris United Church on June 10, 2023 with Tanis Podobni Officiating. Family Tribute was read by Kim Draper and Candace Warden, Urn Bearers were Andrew Draper and Ryan Winters. A beautiful Memorial video was created by Cory Winters. Special thank you to Darcie Donogh and Carol Bodin for being the ushers and representing Home Care, Mom loved her job and her co-workers.
On behalf of our family, we thank everyone for attending Mom’s service. For the calls, food, messages, flowers, and donations in Mom’s name, we thank you. In lieu of individual thank you notes, a donation has been made to the Souris Personal Care Home Courtyard Fund c/o Prairie Mountain Health Box 10 Souris, Manitoba R0K 2C0. This was a place Mom loved and was very near and dear to her heart.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal,
Love leaves a memory no one can steal.
Treena, Kim & Robin ;
So sorry to hear of the loss of your mom. My condolences to you three and your Dad.
I remember how you’s all were quite close.
Just found out this minute
Oh my goodness!! Doreen was such a wonderful lady . She will be greatly missed. Definitely going to miss her smile and laugh! Sincere condolences to the family ((hugs))
Deepest condolences to the family we always had a few laughs when Brenda worked at the legion she always had a smile or hug for you
Lee johnson
My thoughts, and prayers are with you all.
Losing your mom is a very difficult time, but please remember that she is a peace now, and she remembers everything.
Be kind, and be patient with yourselves, the grief is a Prairie storm that can hit you anytime.
To the family:
From old horse friends of 50 years ago when we all were a “family”. Doreen was a bright light…gone too soon.
Bob and I send our sincere sympathies to Allan and the family.
Helen and Bob Orr
Allan, Treena, Kim, Robin and families
We are so very sorry to hear that Doreen has passed away. She was a wonderful wife, mom and grandma and we know that she will be missed immensely. Thinking of you all at this very sad time in your lives.
So very sorry for your loss. Our thoughts are with you.
Norm & Darlene
Allan and family,
Sorry to hear of the passing of Doreen.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad and difficult time.
Sincerely,
Dean and Donna (Kelesnik) Couvier
My sincere condolences to Allan , Treena , Kim and Robin. Doreen was caring, friendly and kind. Her girls and grand babies were her greatest joy, a. proud grandma.
Sending you all healing prayers and a comforting hug. May your memories comfort you through this sad time and always. R.I.P. Doreen.
Hugs Denise
So sorry to hear of Doreen’s passing. She was a wonderful lady whose family meant everything to her. R.I.P. Doreen.
My condolences to all the family. Doreen will be greatly missed. I will always remember her smile and laugh. She also was a great boss and friend. Rest in peace my friend. Hugs to all ❤️
Treena, Kim, Robin,Allan and families. Our sincere condolences to all of you in the loss of Doreen. Always enjoyed a visit at concerts, awards day, etc . at the school. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kim, Trina, Robin, Allan and families:
Deepest condolences to you all on the passing of your mom, Doreen. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
My Condolences to the family and Sister Shirley Thomson
Cousin Kathleen Lilley
Our sincere condolences to Allan, Treena, Kim, Robin & Families. We know this is such a difficult time for all of you. Hold your memories close.
Robert & Marilyn Pearce
Doreen and I were friends from the first day when she was in Souris School in grade 8 and remained friends till she passed away. She was a Wonderful Mother, Wife and Grandparent and Great Grandma too. She always loved people and horses. Rest In Peace My Friend. As her family you knew how much she loved all of you and Allan you were right beside her till the end. Bless you for that, you and your Girls were what she needed by her side. Condolences and Love to you all. Mary Ann Carlisle
So sorry to hear of Doreen’s passing. I so enjoyed our little chats when she was across the hall from my mom. She always had a smile and dearly loved to chit chat about anything. She loved to color her horse pictures and display them. She will be missed, but know that we’re thinking of you at this very sad time.
Pat Smith (Muriel Turner)
Treena, Kim, Robin and Allan. I was so sad to hear about the passing of Doreen. I so enjoyed her while showing the horses. She was a lovely person and I am sure will be sadly missed. My condolences. Sending hugs.
Debbie (Staples) Sagel
Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this difficult time.
Sincere Condolences
David and Fay Rolfe
Auntie Doreen was a second Mom throughout my childhood, my heart breaks for you all.
Our sincerest condolences to all of You, Allan, Treena, Kim, Robin and families.
You were the light of your Mother’s life. Doreen had an infectious laugh and an unforgettable smile.
Hoping you feel some comfort from the thoughts and prayers of those around you.
Our sympathy to you Al, Kim, Treena and Robin! Doreen was such a wonderful lady! Will be missed by many! Take care of each other!
Sorry for the late condolences as I had just heard about Doreen’s passing. My thoughts are with you all as you treasure the memories of you wife/mom. Sending hugs Robin