Doreen Balchen

Doreen Merle Balchen passed away December 23, 2024, in Dauphin, Manitoba. She was born January 8 to Aimé R. (Pete) and Mary (Didychuk) Adam in Ste. Rose du Lac, Manitoba. She was the great granddaughter of pioneers and proud of her heritage. She lived a rich life with her parents, siblings and large extended family. She grew up in Toutes Aides, Crane River, Rorketon and Ste. Rose du Lac, and settled in Dauphin.

Doreen met Bruce, the great love of her life, in Ste. Rose when she was 16 and they married on March 15, 1958. They had four children, Bayne, Tambi, Brenley and Kendall. Doreen was a vibrant and independent woman with a strong work ethic. Throughout their life together, she worked alongside Bruce in his surveying and mapping business, being a confidant and unwavering supporter. After Bruce retired, she continued to work a few hours each week up until her passing, as she loved being an important part of the family business and working alongside her son.

For over 66 years, Doreen loved, tended to, argued with and accompanied Bruce in life's adventures. Theirs was an exemplary marriage and enduring love story. They were inseparable until her untimely death. Doreen had a fierce passion for family which was always an integral cornerstone of her being. For her four children, she always gave sound advice when called upon. She acted as caregiver, defender, encourager and sometimes banker. She loved and was extremely proud of her grandchildren and revelled in their accomplishments. They brought a twinkle to her eye.

Doreen had a tender heart for Manitoba, especially their quiet, secluded acreage south of Dauphin, where she tended an impressive garden. She marvelled over birdsong, flowers and bees, watching deer and many other animals. She had a deep love for nature and loved going for walks along the country roads with their precious dog, Chaplin, whom she missed and thought about every day.

Doreen was modest, supportive, dependable, deeply principled, surprisingly shy and did not like being the centre of attention. She believed in lifelong learning and the satisfaction of trial and error. She was an avid reader, seeking knowledge of history and roots, and had strong opinions about politics, current and world events. Always a sports enthusiast, especially an LA Dodgers fan, Doreen enjoyed participating in sports with the family such as golf, curling, tennis, downhill and cross-country skiing. She rarely missed a chance to watch her children play sports and music, as she was quietly yet extremely proud of their achievements. As the mighty little backbone of the family, she has forever left an imprint on the hearts and memories of her family.

Left to cherish her memory are her loving husband and best friend Bruce, her children Bayne (Jennifer), Tambi (Mitch Montpetit), Brenley (Brian Thompson), Kendall (John Wright) and cherished grandchildren Erika (Aaron), Paul (Quinlin), Rowan, Spencer, Carter and Cameron; sisters Lorraine (children Jarrett and Lindsay) and Karen (John Dreveski), and brother-in-law Glenn MacDonell (son Adam). Doreen was predeceased by her parents, Aimé R. (Pete) and Mary (Didychuk) Adam, and sister Marie Adam.

"O for the touch of a vanish'd hand, And the sound of a voice that is still."

-Tennyson

“Memory is the diary we all carry about with us.”

-Oscar Wilde

No service will be held at this time.

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