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Doreen SEARS

1932 - 2023

Doreen SEARS obituary, 1932-2023, Toronto, ON

BORN

1932

DIED

2023

Doreen SEARS Obituary

DOREEN SEARS July 7, 1932 - February 12, 2023 Doreen was one in a thousand -- or one in 80,000 to be precise, an en caul or "veiled" birth that marked her as special from the start. Charmed and charming, Doreen cared for everyone around her with a glow that never faded.

The daughter of Mary (née AvRuskin) and Herman Laywine, she grew up on Davisville Avenue, attended North Toronto Collegiate and graduated from the University of Toronto with a B.A. She married architect Henry Sears in 1951 and enjoyed their busy life together until his death in 2003. She pursued a 30-year career as a social worker at Surrey Place, a centre for people with developmental disabilities and complex needs. Doreen loved a good party and a good meal as an ever-welcoming hostess both in the city and at "the farm" in the Beaver Valley.

Doreen lived in her apartment until the end, brought on by a stroke in late January. She died at St. Michael's Hospital surrounded by the love of her sons Alan and Joel, grandson Jed, partner David Croft, and sister Annabelle Goodman. She also leaves her brother Charles Laywine, son-in-law Ken Leclair and daughter-in-law Kate Taylor, as well as many friends who counted themselves cherished members of Doreen's extended family.

The family would like to thank the caregivers who were so warm and supportive to Doreen over the last year: Beverley, Bibi, Dominique, Evangela, Karen, Pamela, Shashika, and Lesley who coordinated the Senior Helpers Toronto team.

Donations in Doreen's memory may be made to Let's Grow, a Toronto day program for adults with disabilities, at letsgrowhub.com. For details on a memorial service, go to MountPleasantGroup.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Globe and Mail from Feb. 14 to Feb. 18, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Doreen SEARS

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6 Entries

Pegatha Taylor

February 21, 2023

Thanks so much to the family for the beautiful service today. I wasn't able to speak to all of Doreen's immediate family members and to David, but my own memories of Doreen -- her grace, her sunny smile, her athleticism, her intellectual curiosity and her cooking wizardry -- were reflected in your anecdotes and memories. It was a fitting tribute to a great person.

Leslie Parker

February 16, 2023

I lived down the street from Doreen´s family as a child. I remember Doreen as kind and humorous, and to this day can clearly recall her vibrant presence.
I want to extend my sincere condolences to Doreen´s family.

Rivka Pollack (Goldlist) and family

February 15, 2023

Auntie Deenie was always filled with so much love, life, and laughter.
I always loved seeing and taking to her.

Single Memorial Tree

Amina Jamal

Planted Trees

Josie, Henning and Greta

February 14, 2023

Our family will remember Doreen as an authentically kind person. We feel fortunate to have known her.

Our deepest condolences to the family.

Rob Huang

February 14, 2023

Doreen was an amazing soul. It was our pleasure taking care of Doreen and being with her during her last journey. Our entire Senior Helpers Toronto team will miss her. Please let us know if the family needs any support. Doreen will always be in our hearts.

Showing 1 - 6 of 6 results

Memorial Events
for Doreen SEARS

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.