Doreen Gertrude Burgess

October 14, 1921 - June 02, 2023

Doreen passed away peacefully, with her granddaughter Amber by her side, at Royal Jubilee Hospital at the age of 101. To her family she was timeless, sharp, witty, and steady as a heartbeat.

Born in Medicine Hat, Alberta, to Violet Lizzie and Harold Lefever, who emigrated from Walthamstow, England, in 1913 aboard the Empress of Ireland, she was predeceased by siblings Irene, Harold, Donald, and Vance. In 1951 she married Warwick Reginald Burgess (RCAF), and together they made Victoria their home. Independent and strong-willed, she drove until 100.

She worked 25 years at the Ministry of Health (Local 1201), was a proud BCGEU member, and volunteered through the Capital Mental Health Association Women's Auxiliary at the Eric Martin Gift Shop, as well as with the First Unitarian Church and the Legislature's community office, where in 1992 she was formally recognized in the B.C. Legislature for her service. She treasured her "Red Hens," Monday Lunches, and "Easy Walkers." A Lifetime Member of the CCF and NDP, she gave decades of support, her lawn always bright with orange signs.

She loved her shortbread, Coronation Street, Scrabble, her Maplewood gardens, Beacon Hill Park, reading, and family.

Doreen is missed by grandchildren Amber (Brian), Brienna (Billie), and Calvin (Toni); great-grandchildren Ais, Cael, Dax, Shayd (Karina), Maddux, and Maris; and great-great-grandchildren Bran and Dal.

Celebration of Life: Oct 4, 2025, 2:00 p.m., First Unitarian Church of Victoria. Zoom link through the Church.