Doreen Carol HENLEY

DOREEN CAROL HENLEY Doreen Carol Henley, born December 8, 1931 in Toronto, passed away peacefully on October 18, 2023 in Ottawa. Doreen was a proud mother to her two sons, Jonathan and Jason Grant. She treasured her daughters-in-law, Suzanne Clapp and Tracy Bacenas, as the daughters she wished she'd had. She was a doting and beloved grandmother to Rebecca, Tyler, Andrew and Dylan. Doreen was a fiercely independent woman. Following her divorce in 1970, Doreen moved to London, Ontario with her sons where, at the age of 39, she enrolled in Political Science at Western University as a precursor to Law. Doreen graduated with a Law degree six years later as one of a handful of women. She practiced Family Law in London before moving to Ottawa to pursue Environmental Law with the Federal Government. After a number of years, she accepted a position with The Canadian Manufacturer's Association (CMA) as a senior policy advisor on environmental legislation. It was during these years with CMA that Doreen began a sessional professorship at The McGill School of Law that continued after her retirement. Doreen travelled to many parts of the world as an environmental policy advisor with the Canadian Executive Service Organization. Her career and relentless pursuit of learning and knowledge was an inspiration to her children, grandchildren, and many who knew her. In her spare time, Doreen lived for the outdoors. She was a self-taught sailor, a cross country skier, golfer, cyclist, hiker, tennis player, and welcomed any challenge outdoors. She enjoyed many of these sports at her country home in Quebec - a place where she found great peace and beauty. Doreen was a life-long learner with an eclectic range of interests that she pursued throughout her life. She joined a workshop on Manitoulin Island to learn the art of clowning when she was in her 70's. She traveled to Boston at the age of 87 to participate in a Conflict Resolution course at Harvard University. She took up playing cello in her mid 70's, which she played as part of a quartet well into her 80's. Making music with others was one of the greatest joys of her life. Doreen's greatest joy was her family. She adored her sons and their children, and invested tremendous energy and creativity in planning special family events with a laser-focused pursuit of the perfect gift for every occasion. Her grandchildren inspired her to be a kid at heart - to play and laugh, to be imaginative and free. The family wishes to thank the staff at The Barrhaven Manor in Ottawa for their care and love for Doreen during the past year. Their support has truly been a gift. We also want to thank all the people who were part of Doreen's life at one time or another. She wished that she could have thanked you personally, tell you how much she loved you, and how you helped shape her beautiful life. Condolences/Tributes/Donations Hulse, Playfair & McGarry www.hpmcgarry.ca 613233-1143