Funeral For: Doreen Orvis
Funeral Date: June 9, 2025
Doreen Orvis, 91 of Winnipeg formerly of Lac du Bonnet, passed away Thursday, May 29th at Grace Hospice. She is survived by 1 daughter, 1 son, 1 brother, and their families. She was predeceased by her husband Alexander, 1 daughter, 1 son, 1 daughter-in-law, 3 granddaughters, and 1 grandson.
A memorial service for Doreen Orvis will be held Monday, June 9th at 1pm at Friends Funeral Service, 2146 Main Street, with private ash interment at a later date in Lac du Bonnet.
Donations may be made to Cancer Care Manitoba.
Arrangements by Friends Funeral Service, Winnipeg.
The family of Doreen Emily Orvis sadly announces her passing in Winnipeg, Manitoba, at 91 years of age at The Grace Hospice. She is survived by her brother, Barry King, and sister-in-law, Crystal, along with many extended family members, nieces and nephews, and numerous loved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Doreen was predeceased by her Parents, Thomas and Dora King (Smith), Husband, Alexander Orvis; Son Robert (Bobby) Orvis, Daughter Darlene Clarke, Brother Gerald (Jerry) King, Sister Iris Norman, Sister Elaine Wold, Brother Brian King, Sister Wendy Hoffman, Sister Linda Karklin, Sister in Law Valerie McLeod, Sister in Law Joan King, Aunt Rose King, Daughter in Law Sally Courchene, Grandson Derek Orvis, Granddaughter Adrienne Courchene, Granddaughter Karen Comber and Granddaughter Michelle Comber.
Doreen was born on November 26, 1933, in Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba. She spent most of her life in Lac du Bonnet and Great Falls, where she met Alexander Orvis, whom she later married. Together, they raised four children: Richard, Darlene, Robert (Bobby), and Cathleen. She worked in Great Falls at the store to help provide for her family. Later in life, Doreen moved to Winnipeg, where she continued to live independently and work hard to support her family. She attended Red River College and completed an office administration course, then worked for Continental Catering, where she made lifelong friends, including Mrs. Hal Cherry and Mrs. Lorraine Kozub. It was here that Doreen entered a bowling league and made the most out of her life with friends and family.
Doreen loved taking trips with her sisters and friends, going on bus tours, and enjoying the simple joys of life. She shared an incredibly close bond with her sisters—Elaine, Linda, Wendy, and Iris—and their time together was filled with laughter, love, and cherished memories. The thought of her now reunited with them and her brothers brings comfort to those she leaves behind. Doreen especially loved to talk about a trip to Germany to visit her daughter, Darlene, who lived there and had fond memories of the trip, often speaking about it.
What Doreen treasured most was time spent with her family. She raised many of her grandchildren, a role that brought her deep purpose and joy. She was the best at making pancakes, grilled cheese sandwiches, and cups of tea, and was always present through every stage of her children's and grandchildren’s lives. We could always count on Grandma. Grandma had a special hand in raising her great-granddaughter, Latasha Cameron, and later became a proud great-great-grandmother to three beautiful children: Izaeah, Mariah, and baby Ethan, who brought her immense joy in her later years.
Doreen shared a deeply special bond with her granddaughter Kirsty, who was by her side through every stage of life. In her later years, Kirsty lovingly ensured that Grandma made it to all her appointments, helped manage her care, and tended to every detail, especially during Grandma’s final journey. Their connection was strong, steady, and filled with love.
Her grandson TC will always remember Saturday morning cartoons, pancakes for breakfast, and the joy of Grandma’s Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas dinners. He had a habit of showing up late, but Grandma always knew he’d come — and never missed a chance to tease him about it with a smile. One of his favourites was her homemade chili, made with just three simple ingredients, but to him, it was perfect. Those traditions and little moments meant the world to him, and he’ll carry them on in her honour, holding close the love and laughter she brought to every gathering.
Left to mourn her passing are her daughter, Cathleen (Wayne); her son, Richard and his wife Marie Ann and family; Granddaughter Kirsty and her husband Matt, and Great-Grandchildren Taryn (Tristan) and Aidan; grandson Tristan and great-grandson Adonis; Grandson Jason (Michelle); granddaughters Lindsay, Courtney and Lee; great granddaughter Melissa and great-granddaughter Latasha Cameron (Christian) and her children Izaeah, Mariah and Ethan and her special Niece Vanessa (Scott) in BC, who loved her Aunty so much.
Grandma was the heart and anchor of our family—steady, loving, and full of strength. She loved Coronation Street, pink flowers, puzzles, and most of all, being surrounded by the people and family she loved. Her absence leaves a deep hole in our hearts, but her love and spirit will carry on through her family that she held so close and loved and supported so much. We find comfort knowing she is now at peace, reunited with her beloved sisters and brothers, and surrounded by the love that shaped her life.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the staff at Grace Hospice and Dr. Joanna Webb for their compassionate care during Grandma’s final week. Your kindness, respect, and commitment to honoring her wishes brought comfort to both her and our family during her final days. A special thank you to our dear family friend Catherine (Barbara), whose presence and support helped make Doreen’s final weeks in the hospital a little brighter and more comfortable (and funner). We are deeply grateful.
A service to Honour Doreen’s Life will be held on Monday, June 9th at 1:00 PM at Friends Funeral Service at 2146 Main St in Winnipeg, MB. All are welcome to join those who wish to celebrate Doreen and her life. The Reverend Canon Donna Joy will be officiating. A private interment will be held later this summer or early fall in Lac du Bonnet, where Grandma will be laid to rest alongside her children. Their urns and remains will be joined together, just as she wished, to be together again in the place they all called home. The family will share details of the interment at a later date.
In Lieu of Flowers, donations can be made in Doreen’s name to Cancer Care Manitoba.