DORIS DOROTHY STRACHAN

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear Mother, Grandmother, and Great-grandmother Doris Dorothy Strachan at the Red Deer Hospice on January 12, 2019, at the age of 94 ½ years.
Mom was born on June 1, 1924, to Alfred and Freda Sand of the Lakenheath District of Southern Saskatchewan. She grew up on the farm during the Great Depression. Upon completion of High School in Limerick, she advanced to Normal School, and started teaching in rural Saskatchewan during the early years of WWII. It was during her tenure teaching in Estevan that she met the love of her life, Douglas Strachan, who was a typesetter at the Estevan Mercury newspaper. They were married in Nelson, BC, on December 27, 1947 and lived in Trail, BC until 1957 when they relocated to Calgary, Alberta. Taking a career break from teaching, Mom worked in the Credit Office at the brand new North Hill Simpsons Sears store, until the arrival of their only child, Janice, in 1959. Resuming teaching in the early 1960's, Mom was a pioneer in Special Education, teaching in one of the first integrated special education classrooms in the Calgary Public School system. She found time to give back through her involvement with the Order of the Eastern Star.
Mom was a brave and adventurous woman. Mom retired from teaching to care for Dad at home after he was given a terminal cancer diagnosis. She lost her sweetheart to a short battle with cancer on June 16, 1985. Not to be defeated, she began a new career as a substitute teacher – and learned how to drive so she could work throughout Calgary without having to rely on her longtime mode of transportation . . . the bus. She also began volunteering as a docent with the Glenbow Museum.
Mom's heart, however, was with her small family, and so she moved to Red Deer in 1992 where she had a fresh start, volunteering with the Order of the Eastern Star, International Association of Rebekah Assemblies, and Legion Ladies Auxiliary. She was a committed participant to activities at the Golden Circle, and learned how to golf. She was the grandma "fan in the stands", attending hockey and ringette tournaments, gymnastics competitions, baseball games – always so proud of her grandchildren. Her home became their "second home" when they attended high school and college in Red Deer, with a special cupboard full of favourite snacks and foods.
Mom will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Janice Wing, son in law Allen Wing, granddaughter Shauna Mappin (Devon Mappin), grandson Kent Wing (Dana Fox), granddaughter Tracie Wing, great-grandson Carson Mappin, numerous nephews and nieces, and her dear friend and companion Ivan Mason. She was predeceased by her dear husband Douglas Strachan, her sisters Helen (Cyril) Ross and Gladys (Byron) Jaques.

On December 14, 2018, Mom was moved to the Red Deer Hospice, where she was cared for until her passing. We are all extremely grateful for the professional care, support and love that mom received and that was extended to each of us. At mom's request, there will not be a funeral service. She will be returned to Calgary as her perpetual resting place. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to this wonderful community asset, or another charity in memory of our mom and grandma.
Additionally, a memorial award for Doris Dorothy Strachan will be established at Red Deer College, in support of Bachelor of Education students with an interest in Special Education. Donations to this award can be made to the Red Deer College Foundation. Contact Abby Kaun at 403 342 3320.


. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Innisfail entrusted with arrangements. 403-227-0006. www.heartlandfuneralservices.com