Doreen Ellen Redgrift

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Doreen Ellen Redgrift (nee Downey). She passed away peacefully at age 72. Doreen was the third child born to Jean and Donald Downey (aka Swampy). She was raised alongside her beloved siblings in Nakina. In her youth, Doreen was an authentic free-spirited rebel who walked her own line.

Doreen’s beautiful long brown hair, bright blue eyes and mischievous smile caught Harold’s attention. He always said, “she looked great in my Mustang.” In 1973 Doreen and Harold married. Soon after they welcomed their son Christoper and then their daughter Lisa. As a mother, she taught us to be ourselves. She made us believe that we could do anything—that we could be anything we wanted—and she encouraged us to have big dreams.

Doreen was a champion of the cancel the Nakina run-through movement. While great effort was put forth to keep CN employees and their families in Nakina, she and many others left their hometown in 1986. Harold, Doreen, Christopher and Lisa moved to Cookstown and adapted to a new life.Despite the physical distance, Doreen’s heart remained in Nakina. She and her partner in crime (Colleen Pasko) seldomly missed a Nakina ladies’ bonspiel. For nearly 40 years, Doreen looked forward to her annual summer trip back home. She enjoyed canoeing at Cordingly Lake, walks on Downey’s Line, fishing in Pete’s Bay, picking blueberries, and spending time with family and friends. Her love of the north was never ending.     

Her greatest joy in life was being an active and engaged Nana to her grandsons Ewan and Callum. Doreen’s grandmother philosophy was “what happens at Nana’s house stays at Nana’s house.” She was an adventurous and spontaneous Nana who danced in the rain with her boys. Ewan and Callum will forever cherish their precious Nana.

Doreen had a keen eye for beauty which was reflected in her photography, interior design, and masterful stained glass. She was a kind and humble person who genuinely valued the people she loved. Doreen maintained many lasting friendships. Our mom emphasised the importance of family and instilled that in us, because family means something. She loved to laugh and gave the best hugs. We are fortunate to have a lifetime of memories with her.     Doreen is survived by her husband Harold, son Christopher, grandsons Ewan and Callum, daughter Lisa, siblings Brian, Beverly and Christine, many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

We believe the smell of the pines called our mom home. We imagine her at the Nakina Legion (branch #116) having a rum with her dad, who she missed so very much. We take comfort in knowing she is finally free.

We will hold a celebration of life at a later date.   

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Doreen Ellen Redgrift, please visit our floral store.