We Remember

PARSONS, L. Doreen

December 30, 1932 — June 13, 2024

The family of L. Doreen Parsons, wife of J. Byron Parsons (deceased), are saddened to announce her passing in Kelowna on June 13, 2024, at the age of 91.

Mom was born in Grenfell, SK, to John and Charlotte Redfern, a much younger sister for Wallis, Henry, and Cyril.  She was raised on the farm and attended school, along with Dad, at the Old Stone House.  Out of High school, Mom worked as a telephone operator until she and Dad married in 1953.  Dad’s work as a banker moved them to many places, from Saskatchewan to Ontario and back again.  They made so many good friends along the way and shared a lot of good times, curling, golfing, and socializing.

Larry arrived in 1956, Terry in 1957, and Margo in 1961.  Mom worked for Safeway for many years in Winnipeg and Regina until injuries from a hit-and-run accident took her from the work force.  Mom was an accomplished pianist and loved to play for organizations, events, fun, and family.  Since 1959, she was a life-long member of the Rebekah Lodge, honouring their mantra of Faith, Hope, and Charity.

In 1997, they moved to Medicine Hat, making friends through the Happy Hatters and New Comers Club, and volunteering with the Cancer Society and other organizations.

Mom and Dad were great fans of their grandkids, attending their activities whenever they could.  They wintered in Arizona for many years, where Mom sang in the choir, took up ceramics, golfed and hosted or attended many happy hours and events with a long list of friends. Over the years Mom and Dad travelled with family and friends to Mexico, Hawaii, Alaska, New Zealand, and Australia.

When Dad passed away in 2016 Mom moved into assisted living at The Wellington in Medicine Hat, then in 2021 into Meadowlands. Our thanks to all who cared for her there.

In her later years, Mom enjoyed watching sports on TV, everything from baseball to darts!  We’ve all played thousands of games of cards with her over the years, and she played almost to the end, always ending our visits with a “Thank you for coming to play cards with me. God Bless you. I love you.”

Margo, Fabian, and Mom moved to Kelowna in order to be close to Larry, Terry, and family.  We were all thankful we could visit her daily, and Mom’s care at Orchard Manor was exceptional.  Again, our thanks to all involved in her care.  You are all special people.

Doreen is survived by son Larry (Laurel) and family – Kristi (Brendan) Nelson, Eva, Julianna, and Leah of Calgary; Shannon (Collie) Roy, Myles and Victoria of Calgary; Mathew Merritt of Kelowna; Mitch (Jill) Merritt, Teagan, and Theodore of Ladysmith; son Terry (Pam) and family – Brandon Parsons (Ashley Simpson); step-son Ryan (Whitney) Beube and Leo of Kelowna; step-daughter Amy Kennedy of Newmarket; daughter Margo (Fabian) Delwo – Justin Delwo of Toronto; Trisha (Kevin) Churcher, Ayla, and Nixon of Kelowna; Jared Delwo of Kelowna; and Carina/CJ Delwo of Calgary; sisters-in-law Kathy Smith, Mary Parsons, and Lynn Parsons.  She also leaves behind many beloved and special nieces and nephews.

Doreen was predeceased by her husband Byron in 2016; parents John and Charlotte Redfern; brothers and their wives – Wallis and Gladys, Henry and Eleanor, Cyril and Iola; Dad’s side of the family, John and Mary Parsons; brothers Doug and Elgin, sister Clare (Howard) Derby, and brother-in-law Glen Smith.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to cancer research through the BC Cancer Foundation.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 2:00 pm in the Family Centre at Springfield Funeral Home, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. If you are unable to attend in person, please join the family online by Livestream at the time of the service (see below), a recording will be made available to view shortly thereafter.

LIVESTREAM:

Service
Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM

Location
Springfield Funeral Home Family Centre

Share with Others:

Share on Facebook
Share Via Email

Send Condolences
Send Flowers, Sympathy Card or Comfort Meal
BC Cancer Foundation Link: www.bccancerfoundation.com

 


Service Information

Service Details


The service for PARSONS, L. Doreen is scheduled for Saturday, June 22, 2024, at 2:00 PM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.

Address & Contact for Service Location:

Springfield Funeral Home Family Centre

2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna BC

Phone:

Special Requests:

None.

Funeral Pointers:

 


Condolences

  • Gay Riendeau says:
    June 18, 2024 at 2:36 pm

    My deepest sympathy to Larry, Terry, Margo, and all the family.

    Reply
  • Christina Redfern says:
    June 18, 2024 at 8:40 pm

    Our “Heartfelt Condolences” to the Families!
    Love 💕 Christine,Laura & Stephen Redfern

    Reply
  • Brenda & Gord Hunting says:
    June 19, 2024 at 3:38 pm

    Rest in peace Aunt Doreen! We’re all going to miss you very much! You were the best aunt to all of us! You can now join your loving husband, your brothers and their wives. Condolences to Larry, Terry and Margo and all families.

    Reply
  • Doris says:
    June 20, 2024 at 9:03 pm

    So sorry for the loss of an amazing woman. Doreen loved life and knew how to have fun and could play a mean tune with a pair of spoons. She loved her family unconditionally and will be greatly missed. Condolences to the family.

    Reply
  • Nancy Vander Heiden says:
    June 21, 2024 at 7:00 am

    We would like to send our condolences in the loss of your mom, Margo. Our paths crossed many times when both of our moms lived at the Wellington. Mom really enjoyed visiting with your mom. Thinking of You, Fabian and family.
    Mike & Nancy Vander Heiden

    Reply
  • Raymond Redfern says:
    June 22, 2024 at 9:12 am

    (please use this version) – thanks!
    Doreen, and Byron too, are with us as treasured memories and we will be with you today online to celebrate Aunt Doreen as family , who has always been our ‘other Mother’ and who has always been special to everyone who came to know her! We have been so thankful to have had her in our lives.
    Ray & Bev and all the Redfern Families

    Reply
  • Maureen Mastel says:
    June 22, 2024 at 2:31 pm

    Dear Margo, I was so very sorry to read today of your mom’s passing. It seems like it was a good choice for her, Fabian & yourself to move to Kelowna, where she could have lots of family visiting her. Gene & I continue to enjoy your parents last home in Meadowlark Village, where they have not been forgotten. Rest in Peace Doreen along with Byron.

    Reply
    • Donna Britton says:
      June 24, 2024 at 2:52 pm

      Dear Margo, Larry, Terry and families., my deepest sympathy to you all. Your mom was such a great friend to our family. I have many fond memories of our times together in Preeceville. Big hugs ❤️. RIP my other mother ❤️

      Reply
  • Kathy Smith says:
    June 22, 2024 at 3:08 pm

    I feel as though I have been right with you. What a wonderful send off for a wonderful wonderful person.(She was always my second sister) She and Byron were always very close and we shared so many of life’s joys. I love you all so much. and wish I could have been with you but I surly was there in spirit. God Bless you all. Thank you for sharing through live streaming.

    Reply
  • Jackie Sehn says:
    June 22, 2024 at 5:44 pm

    Our condolences to Margo, Fabian and family. You are in our thoughts.
    Wes & Jackie Sehn

    Reply
  • Glenda Smith says:
    June 25, 2024 at 5:52 am

    Our deepest sympathies to Larry, Terry, Margo and families. It was a beautiful tribute to your mom.

    Reply
  • Mary Lou Secord and Lynn Marie Johnston says:
    June 27, 2024 at 4:38 am

    Doreen sounds like such a wonderful person. No wonder she will be missed by so many. She knew truly how to enjoy this precious life of ours. Our deepest condolences to you Terry, Larry and Margo and family.

    Reply
  • glyn Yuhas says:
    June 28, 2024 at 12:16 pm

    Sadly I seen in our Medicine Hat newspaper, this celebration of a nice beautiful person. God Bless her, It was a honor to have met her and Byron, the nicest of people. I will never forget their kindness to me, and to Margo And Fabian , also the salt of the Earth , God Bless them and There’s

    Reply

Leave a Condolence Message for the Family


» To share your condolence on this page please fill out the requested fields.
» If you have a photo to share, please do so as families appreciate it. To share a photo (please note, just one photo per condolence please), click the 'Choose File' button and select a photo from your computer.
» Once you are done, click the 'Share' button.
» Your email is never published or shared. Your name and email are both required.

NOTE: all messages will go through an administrative process before being posted.

Testimonials

They took care of me like family.

Judith Szabo

Everything was so organized and pertinent to what we needed. Everyone we met was kind, courteous and very helpful during our emotional and challenging time. Thank you so much.

Heather Mayne

They were so prompt on answering any questions and changing things. They were prepared and respected any religious decisions. The process was so seamless and made easy in such a high stress situation.

Tanya Kohar

In the past 2 years Springfield has helped us through the death of my Mother and my Father. Their response and help allowed us to focus on the remaining family rather than worrying about details of the funeral and all the notifications that are required upon a death.

Terry Eldridge

The atmosphere has been nothing but professional during times of grief.  After the passing of my mother, the staff coached me on the next steps and looked after filling in all the government forms that I needed to sign, which took a huge burden off my mind at the time.

Donald McClure

Everyone was so helpful and kind.  There was no pressure.  They provided exactly what we needed.

Diane Greenwood

From the time I called to the completion of all the services, I received compassionate, attentive and professional care.  There was a sense of caring from each staff member.  I was turning over my Mom to their care and I felt very comfortable with everyone.  I felt heard and never felt pushed into any decision.

Katherine Lewis

I have always found the team at Springfield Funeral Home to be VERY caring, kind, considerate and helpful.  I have and will continue to recommend them to anyone who asks which funeral home would I suggest they use.  No other funeral home I have dealt with even comes close to Springfield Funeral Home.

Ethna Tutt

Right at the onset, I was made very comfortable, there was no pressure.  I was made to feel as if I was the only one they had to serve.

Frances Baum

Everything that was arranged for us was perfect.  Our loved one, husband, father, brother was treated with respect.  Thank you for making this difficult time a little more acceptable via your staff’s obvious caring and respect.

Jacquelene Bluschke