It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our mother, Doreen Ina Phalen, age 92 years, of Springhill, on Wednesday, November 21, 2018, in Glen Haven Manor, New Glasgow.
Born in Springhill, Doreen was the daughter of Oscar and Jennie (Mont) Goldrich.
Doreen spent most of her life in Springhill, with a brief 13-year stint in Montreal, where she made many friends. She was a hard worker and was fortunate to have found jobs that she truly loved and could spend hours reminiscing and sharing stories from them. Her favorite stories came from her time as a waitress at the White Spot.
Doreen was well known for her knitting and crocheting, having won many ribbons at the Oxford Exhibition. Every family member looked forward to her slippers, every year at Christmas. Mum was also an exceptional cook and whenever we arrived home, we could be sure the freezer was stocked with our favorite treats, most especially her Peanut Butter cookies.
Doreen also gave a lot of her time to the Springhill Legion and Ladies Auxiliary, serving twice as Auxiliary President. Playing darts in the mixed and ladies’ leagues was one of her favorite pass times.
Mum, Nana, Nanny, will be sadly missed by son Pat (Mary Lou) Phalen, daughter Jennifer (Grant) Boyce, step-son Douglas (Nadia) Arsineau, step-daughter Marilyn LeBlanc, son-in-law Burton Sarson; grandchildren Peter (Darlene), Jim (Alina), Phil (Julie), Melissa (Kevin), Lisa (Craig), Michael (Meghan), Joyce (Edward), Mike (Kathy), Peter (Linda), and Erika (Nic), as well as her many great grandchildren, nephews and cousins.
Besides her parents, Doreen was predeceased by her first husband John Phalen, her partner of 17 years, Douglas Arseneau, daughter Arlene, brother Jim, twin sister Dorothy, and brother-in-law Nobby.
Arrangements are under the care and direction of A H Brown Funeral Home, 5 McFarlane Street, Springhill, (902 597 2361). A celebration of Doreen’s life will be held at a later date, however, if you wish to honour Doreen with a donation in her name, her charity of choice was the Canadian Cancer Society, or a charity of your choosing.
Sharing of memories and condolences may be sent to the family by visiting Doreen’s online memorial at www.brownsfunerlhome.com or through the A H Brown Funeral Home Facebook Page.