Doreen Elna HUGHES

HUGHES, Doreen Elna (nee Smith)
December 10, 1932 - February 6, 2024

Doreen passed away peacefully at Broadmead Lodge with family at her side, at the age of 91. She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 68 years, Bill, on October 4, 2021. She is survived by her children Calven (Pat) Hughes and Karen (Don) Herriott; and grandchildren Ashton (Sarah) Herriott, Jarod Hughes (Chirysse), Merissa Hughes (Connor) and Tyraell Hughes.
Doreen was born in Saskatchewan then soon moved to Gilbert Plains, Manitoba. As an indication of her strong will and independent nature, she hopped on a bus and moved to Victoria at the age of 17. She got a job at a restaurant then moved on to a position with BC Tel. She and Bill were married in 1953 and moved into their new house in Victoria where they raised their family. Doreen decided to leave BC Tel and started a thriving home-based business as a seamstress. She and Bill lived together in that house for 68 years until Bill's passing. Doreen remained in her home until moving to Broadmead Lodge prior to her passing.
Doreen loved to sew and knit which she continued well into her later years. She had many other passions including figure skating, painting, Tai Chi and attending the Victoria Symphony. She learned to skate in her youth in Manitoba and over the years participated in various competitions, taught many children, and loved watching competitions live and on TV. She skated recreationally into her 70's. While she had done some oil painting in her early years, it wasn't until much later that she took up water colours with the same enthusiasm as her other pursuits. Many of her family and friends have her creations adorning their homes. Doreen and Bill were founding members of the Victoria Aqua Ski Club (1958) at Shawnigan Lake and had countless happy memories of days spent water skiing, boating and socializing with family and friends.
Doreen was a strong willed, determined, kind woman who loved her children and grandchildren dearly. She was very proud of all their accomplishments and was always there to provide support and encouragement. She also built many lasting relationships with the people in her cherished neighbourhood. We have heard many stories from current and past neighbours about Doreen dropping by with something she had either baked, cooked, knitted, or sewn. She will be deeply missed.
Her family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, care aids, and staff at Broadmead Lodge for their kind and compassionate care. A very special thank you to her wonderful caregiver and friend Leslie. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Doreen to St. Paul's Hospital Cardiac Unit, Vancouver BC. A combined Celebration of Life for Doreen and Bill will be held at a later date.