Doreen Margaret Trenaman

It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of Doreen “Mama Bear” Trenaman (nee Forret), at the age of 92 at Lions Gate Hospital on March 19, 2022. A wife, a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, and a friend to many who affectionately called her Doe. Doreen is survived by her husband of 67 years, Rolly; daughters Laura (Brian) and Anne; sons Bill (Liz), Rob (Patti) and Gordon; and her cherished grandchildren Eric (Hannah), Brianne, Reid, Meghan, Kassandra, Jocelyn, Liam, Drewe, Madison, Braydon, Mackenzie, Joshua, Jayden, Jacob, and Jenika. She was predeceased by her two brothers, George and Jimmy.

Our Mama Bear and Gma was a cheerful, kind, generous, and sweet soul. She will be greatly missed by those fortunate enough to know her. Also, deeply missing his daily walks and treats, is Linden, Doreen’s faithful four-legged companion.

Doreen graduated from John Oliver Secondary School in 1947. It was at John Oliver that she met her life-long, best friends – Olive, Marg and Pat. She spent two years at UBC before transferring to the nursing program at Vancouver General Hospital, where she graduated as a registered nurse in 1952. She loved nursing and worked in hospitals in BC, Oregon and California, using her nursing degree to see cities along the west coast.

Doreen and Rolly met at a nurses/engineers mixer in 1950 and married in 1955 in a small ceremony in Creston, BC. Shortly after the wedding, Doreen put her nursing career on hold as she and Rolly raised their five children. They spent much of the next three decades in various small towns in BC, as Rolly pursued his career as a mining engineer with Cominco (now Teck). All the children were active in community activities and sports, where Doreen put in countless hours as both a volunteer and a cheerleader.

After Rolly retired from Cominco, he and Doreen moved to North Vancouver in 1979 and Doreen resumed her nursing career at Lions Gate Hospital. During this part of her career, she was awarded the prestigious RNBC award for nursing excellence. She retired in 1994 from Lions Gate Hospital.

In retirement, Doreen relished her role as the family matriarch and primary babysitter of her grandchildren. She was the glue that kept the family close and grounded. At family dinners, Gma’s pies were always the highlight of the dessert menu.

Doreen also kept busy with curling, gardening, baking, playing bridge, walking her dogs, watching her grandchildren’s soccer and hockey games, and cheering on her beloved Canucks. She especially enjoyed summers at the family cabin on Kootenay Lake, spending time with family and friends, and curling up with a good book.

Doreen leaves behind her strength and gentle spirit with those privileged to have called her mom and grandma. She will be dearly missed, but we are grateful to have had her in our lives. We love you more Mama Bear.

A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, April 1, 2022 at Boal Chapel, 1505 Lillooet Road, North Vancouver at 2 PM, with reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice. Two of her favourites were Lions Gate Hospital Foundation and SPCA.