Doreen Violet Neufeld (Bird) (nee Miller),formerly of Fruitvale, passed away July 26th, 2010 in Nelson, BC at the age of 85 years. Doreen was born in Medicine Hat, Alberta on July 14th, 1925 and was the youngest of thirteen children born to Daniel and Christina Miller. She was predeceased by her two brothers, ten sisters and her parents, German immigrants from Bessarabia, Russia.
Raised in Medicine Hat, she worked as a stenographer before marrying her first husband, Bill Bird on November 4th, 1945. Doreen and Bill had three children: Diane, Jim and Allan. Bill died suddenly in 1984 and in 1985 she married Con Neufeld. Doreen and Con enjoyed twenty-four years together before Con’s death on April 28th, 2008 in Trail. She is survived by her daughter, Diane Boyes (Harvey) of Nelson, son Jim Bird (Veronica) of Calgary, son Allan Bird (Gail) of Fruitvale, and five grandchildren: Jeanie Bird, Brian Bird (Sheila), Candice Smithies, Robbie Boyes (Anna), Richard Bird (Virginia), three great-granddaughters and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
“Grandma”, “Mom”, “Dode” and “Auntie Dodie” loved flowers, reading, going out for lunch, baking, singing and shopping. She was always very generous, kind and caring which helped her to make friends easily, always willing to lend a hand to someone in need. Family and friends were always welcomed into her home for a visit, snack or meal.
She was very proud of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved to dote on her two great-granddaughters, Andrea and Jessica Smithies, and was looking forward to meeting her third great-granddaughter, Arya LaMonte-Bird but died two days before doing so.
Doreen will be greatly missed by both family and friends.
A memorial service was held August 3rd, 2010 at St. Paul’s United Church in Fruitvale, with Reverend Keith Simmonds officiating. Special thanks are extended to Reverend Simmonds, organist Romina Perman, the Fruitvale UCW, the staff of Mountain Lake (Assisted Living), Trail-Fruitvale Home Support Staff and Terry at Handi-Dart.