Doreen Kanatski

JANUARY 13, 1930 - JUNE 9, 2012It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Doreen Kanatski (nee: Hodson, Blake) on Saturday June 9th at Princess Court, Dryden, She was born January 13, 1930 on the family farm, north of Emo, Ontario. Her father, Arthur George Hodson was born in Woverhampton, England and came to Canada. There he met Mary Ida Haner of Manitoulin Island. Once married they settled outside of Emo, Ontario farmed and raised a family. Doreen grew up with brother and sisters: Vivian MacDonald (of Vermilion Bay-deceased), Betty Brading (of Thunder Bay-deceased), Lawrence (deceased), Vera (deceased), Marie Stone (of Thunder Bay) and Elaine Peeters (of Vermillion Bay). Over her life Doreen worked a number of jobs: from working the family farm in Emo, at Colin MacDonald's camp (brother-in-law, Vermillion Bay, deceased) as cook, also a cook at a hotel in Montreal and on the line at General Electric in Toronto, only to return north to Dryden, Ontario in 1958 to work the Dryden Pulp and Paper Mill until her retirement. Doreen met and married George Blake (of Montreal, Quebec) in 1954, then in 1955 James was born (deceased in Dryden 1992) followed by Colleen (Barrie, Ontario) in 1956. She left Montreal for Toronto then onward North to Dryden in 1958 where she met with Mike Kanatski and married. Doreen loved life, from hunting, fishing, music, playing/ telling jokes, family, socializing and especially LAUGHING. Music was always a part of Doreen's life, especially country. And to get the party started she would bring out her accordion or get on the organ. She was always good for a party and a laugh. Like wearing her daughters graduation Nursing cap and holding her roses and telling people that is was HER that graduated. Then came Bingo. Bingo, Bingo, Bingo. But more important, came the casino/slots! Nothing got her motivated more than saying "Let's go to the slots!" Right to the time she won Big in Las Vegas (her favorite place) and got her picture taken. Back then, cameras were only allowed when someone won. She loved to teach of life/little things to Colleen, whether it be cooking, sewing, pickling, moose meat preparation, knitting or health remedies. And to Jim, fishing, driving, and hunting. Doreen's home was always open, with coffee on or the other wee drop. I would wake up to find someone already in the kitchen at 7 AM with Mom cooking something up. Cooking, well that was going from dusk to dawn, just in case someone was to drop in. I always thought growing up that if it fits into a jar-Mom pickled it. The basement held its own shopping mart! She was also a proud Legion Member (45Yrs plus) and proudly wore her pins. Doreen is greatly loved and will be missed by daughter Colleen, sisters: Marie and Elaine (also brother-in-law, Louis) and many nieces, nephews (far and wide) and friends. She was predeceased by husband Mike (2011). Many, many thanks to the Nurses at DRHC and Princess Court. She always thought of the staff of Princess Court as family and loved each and everyone. They made her smile and laugh. A special thank you to Dr. Cortens for giving Mom solace, peace and respect. If desire, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, through Stevens Funeral Homes, PO Box 412, Dryden, ON, P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted @ stevensfuneralhomes.ca."Some people come and go in our lives, where others leave their stamp on us forever. Mom, you are gone but never forgotten and we will always hold your large stamp to our hearts.""