Dorleen Toffan

Dorleen’s parents, Jane (Broughton) and Duncan Hughes left England in 1919 as newlyweds aboard the Orduna to begin a new life in Canada.

Dorleen, one of eight children, was born on August 31, 1928 in Barwick, Ontario.

In her early years, Dorleen, worked for the Town of Fort Frances. On June 14, 1952 she married Allan Toffan.

After raising her family, she returned to work with Bell Canada and enjoyed many years working alongside her fellow “telephone operators”. When Bell automated services, she began a new career as a receptionist at the Fort Frances Clinic until her retirement.

Despite being a busy mom, Dorleen took the time to enjoy the sport of curling. She skipped her own team for many years and loved the strategy of the game. When asked the outcome of any given game, one had to be prepared to listen to a play by play account of the final eight ends! She treasured the friendships she made during these years.

After Allan’s death in 1992, she took up the game of golf. This new found passion provided her with another opportunity to develop both skills and friendships. Although she had not been on the course for the last few years due to poor health, she refused to part with her golf kart.

Dorleen and Allan ran a “tight ship” as they raised their five children. She was a wonderful cook creating tasty meals with a few basic ingredients. Their home was a place of welcome for family and friends.

Dorleen is survived by her children: Teresa Dennis, Cindy and Hugh McKinnon, Jane and Ray Turnbull, Bill Toffan (Shannon Cunningham), and Jackie and Scott Chudley.

Dorleen is also mourned by nine grandchildren: Christopher (Lindsay) Dennis, Tyson (Robyn) Dennis, Andrea McKinnon, Karli McKinnon, Reginald Turnbull, Allan Turnbull, Brittany Toffan, Brett Toffan, and Carter Chudley. She was delighted by the arrival of her two great grandchildren, Blase and Jasper Dennis.

One sister Carol (Chris) Thorp survives along with sisters-in-law Lolly Brunetta, Gladys Hughes and Nora Hughes as well as many special nieces and nephews.

Dorleen was predeceased by her parents Jane and Duncan Hughes, her mother and father-in-law Mildred and William Toffan, husband Allan, siblings Agnes (Erv; Steve; Donald), Walter, Doug (June), Louise (Willis), Duncan, and George; brothers-in-law Ernie (Madeline; Evelyn) Toffan, and Ernie Brunetta.

Pallbearers are her grandchildren, Christopher, Tyson, Andrea, Karli, Reginald, Allan, and Brittany.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, November 28, 2014 at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, Fort Frances. Father Victor DeGagne will officiate.

In memoriam, donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 920 Tungsten Street, Thunder Bay, ON P7B 5Z6, or to the Nathan DeGagne Trust c/o TD Canada Trust, Fort Frances. On-line condolences may be left at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com

She'll stay with you

As long as the wind blows

She’ll always be in your heart

She didn’t leave you all alone

She has eternal life

Her spirit is always within you

And if the sun shines in the sky

And rain should fill the air

And a rainbow lights up your day

Know that she is there.

Karli 1998