Mrs. Freda Doyle

DOYLE, Freda (Surtees)
July 28, 1911- Newcastle, England -
January 11, 2014, Burnaby, B.C.
Freda Doyle passed away peacefully at the grand old age of 102 on January 11, 2014 following a brief illness (pneumonia) in Burnaby General Hospital. During her last week in the hospital, family never left her side. Predeceased by her loving husband, John Doyle (R.C.M.P. regimental number 11768) in 1984 and her son, Tim Doyle in 1971. After our Dad's passing, Mom lived independently in her own home until the age of 96 when dear Mecaila and Haide joined her household as caregivers. She was very happy living in her home for nearly sixty years surrounded by wonderful, supportive neighbours. Born in England, Mom came by steamship to Canada with her parents, Louisa and William Surtees, and her sister, Madge, and settled in Regina at the age of three. She was always proud of her prairie heritage. The family increased with the arrival of sister, Marguerite, and brother, Jack. Freda Doyle was the last surviving member of her Surtees family. In her youth, and throughout her life, Mom loved skating (Regina Skating Club) and swimming (teaching at the YWCA). Before she was married, Mom worked as a legal secretary in Regina. On Valentines Day, 1943, Mom met Johnny Doyle and they were married on July 3rd of that year, and spent 41 years happily together. The Doyle family moved to Burnaby in 1956 when Dad retired from the R.C.M.P. and started a new career (Fire Underwriters Investigation Bureau- chief special agent.) Freda had a fun filled life and enjoyed her five children, Fenton, Tim, Maureen (Eugene), Twyla (Mike) and Pamela (Rod); grandchildren, Tim (Lisa), Sonya, Marielle, Broderick and Tess and one great- grandchild, Larson. Mom was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother, and Great- Grandmother and greatly loved. Many of Burnaby's children learned to swim over the years due to Freda's involvement with the YMCA, and she was honoured to receive many acclaims from the 'Y'. Freda was active with the R.C.M.P. Ladies Auxiliary, where she held many executive positions and was a lifetime member. She kept very busy with her household, as well as playing bridge, bingo, weekly bowling, swimming (especially loved Hawaii!), gardening, baking (so good!), playing piano (started lessons at the age of 73!) knitting, sewing, cooking great Sunday dinners, and always enjoyed a good walk. Her extended family includes many nieces and nephews across Canada, and a long time friendship with her sister in law, Kathleen Beaton of Moncton, New Brunswick; also 'Mother Doyle' to Tony Dowling and MJ of Kingston, Ontario. The family would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to the staff of Burnaby General Hospital; Dr. Lough, Dr. Chu, Dr. Chin, Eve Sample and all the nurses and care aids on the 5th floor for Mom's 26 days in the hospital. As well, as thanks to Dr. Appleby, Mom's long time GP. Mom's funeral will be held on Monday, January 27th, 11 a.m. at St. Helen's Church in Burnaby, 3860 Triumph Street, followed by a small reception in the Parish Hall. The interment ceremony will be at 2 p.m. at Forest Lawn Memorial Park at 3789 Royal Oak Avenue in Burnaby. Our beautiful Mom will be sadly missed. We will think of her everyday and Mom will live on in our hearts and good memories forever.

Arrangements under the direction of Forest Lawn Funeral Home, Burnaby, BC.