Doreen Grace Minshall

Doreen Grace Minshall, of Salt Spring Island, BC, passed away with family at her bedside in the early morning hours of March 4th, due to complications brought on after suffering a stroke in August of 2021. She had just turned 84 years young on February 24th. Doreen was born and raised in Guelph, Ontario to parents Frederick and Edith Minshall (Mundy). She is survived by her son Kevin F. Gove (wife Deborah), her daughter Suzanne L. Gove-O’Rourke (husband Michael), granddaughters Victoria Durham, Allyson Gove (husband Nick Schubert), great grandson Ronan Schubert, brother Robert Minshall (wife Jean), her cousin Jacquie Welsh, three nieces, a nephew, as well as numerous cousins and cherished friends. Doreen was predeceased by her ex-husband, David Garfield Gove in 2019.

Doreen attended high school at Guelph Collegiate Institute in Guelph, Ontario. She was married in 1959 and lovingly raised two children, her son Kevin, and daughter, Suzanne. The family relocated to Pierrefonds, Quebec in 1965 and remained there through the latter part of 1979 when she moved out west to Edmonton, Alberta for a few years prior to moving to Vancouver, British Columbia in 1986. She eventually made her way to her beloved Salt Spring Island home in 1990.

A lifelong learner and seeker of knowledge, Doreen was a graduate of Lasalle College in Montreal where she studied fashion design. She worked in the fashion industry for many years as both a designer and marketing consultant. Doreen had an absolute love of life and inspired everyone she met to live life to their full potential. She followed her heart moving into many career paths including astrologer, herbalist, educator, spiritual advisor, and life path counselor. Her beauty ran soul deep and she will forever be remembered with a smile on her face and a sparkle in her eyes.

She had a special relationship with nature and was a lover of animals including several cherished dogs and her beloved cat, Muffyn. Music touched her soul and was an essential part of her daily life. She enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music, played the piano, loved to dance, and sang with numerous choirs and vocal groups over the years including the Sing for Pure Joy Choir in Ladysmith. She had a beautiful voice and could often be found singing her way through life just for the pure joy of bringing music to all those around her.

Doreen found her true home on Salt Spring Island and was a beloved member of the community. She taught courses in meadow medicine, led various solstice, song, and healing circles, volunteered with Salt Spring Hospice and at the Salt Spring Seniors’ Center providing peer counseling and support for many seniors over the years.

In her lifetime, she spread an endless supply of joy, love, kindness, laughter and what she lovingly referred to as her own blend of “magical kidinky dust”. She touched numerous lives and will be missed by many. Special thanks to the acute care team at Lady Minto Hospital and her Doctor, Ron Reznick for providing such phenomenal care during the final months of her glorious life. A Celebration of Life is planned for June 11th on Salt Spring Island. Details to be provided.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Doreen's name to either the Lady Minto Hospital Foundation or Salt Spring Hospice.

UPDATE RE: CELEBRATION OF LIFE

The time has come to celebrate the incredible, mystical life of Doreen Grace Minshall. Please plan to join her family and friends at The Salt Spring Legion, Branch # 92, 120 Blain Rd. Salt Spring Island, under the Big Top Tent on Saturday, June 11th from 2:00 – 4:00 PM.

Those that knew and loved Doreen, also known fondly as Dore’en on Salt Spring Island are invited to attend the celebration as we bid her farewell and share memories of the unique and magical spirit she was.

If you are unable to attend but would like to share any memories, please email Doreen’s daughter, Suzanne, at [email protected]

If you have a special photo or a song that reminds you of your time with Doreen, please email Suzanne by May 26th at [email protected]

If you have any questions or would like a local contact, please reach out to Jean Elwell at [email protected]

Light snacks and refreshments will be provided. To help us with an estimate of those attending, please RSVP via email to Suzanne (Doreen’s daughter) at [email protected]

As we will be outdoors, masks will not be required. However, please care for your own safety and level of comfort and respect the wishes of those around you.