November 3, 1932 - December 15, 2022
In Loving Memory ~
With the greatest sadness, we announce the passing of Doreen Mary Syme on December 15th, 2022, at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, B.C. Following a brief illness, Doreen passed away peacefully surrounded by her beloved family.
Born in Vancouver in 1932, Doreen and her parents (Harry & Ethel Palmerley) soon moved to Ladysmith to join their relatives.
Not unlike countless other families from across the country, Doreen's father left Ladysmith to serve overseas during the second world war, which had Doreen and her Mom living alone together for those six long years. Doreen always recalled, when a letter arrived from her Dad serving overseas, running up the hills and streets from the old post office to anxiously deliver the mail to her Mom.
Doreen helped her family by first working in the local movie theatre in her early teens, and during high school having taken secretarial courses next began working at the local bank and then for Comox Logging at the main office.
It was during this time she began dating Cliff Syme of Chemainus, and they married in April 1955 spending their honeymoon in San Francisco.
Having built their new home on Daniel Street in Chemainus, along with their two sons (Mark & Lance) the family moved in on December 15, 1958.
Doreen so loved supporting her family in every way possible, as a homemaker, taking her sons to community sports events, enjoying boating on the local waters, golfing, dogs, and their annual family summer vacation to Penticton.
Doreen and Cliff also enjoyed travelling, with vacations to the UK, California, Eastern Canada, Fiji, Hawaii, and Alaska cruises, and celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on a cruise through the Panama Canal.
In addition, Doreen and Cliff loved their ballroom dancing. Beginning with their first lesson through to receiving top honors at various dancing events and competitions.
Doreen was predeceased by her parents Harry (1971) and Ethel (1969).
Doreen is survived by her husband of 67 years Cliff, and sons Mark, Lance (Lonnie) and step-grandchildren Lindsey (Roger), Katie (Gary) and their children. Also several nieces, nephews and their families. And more recently, her new furry best friend Kobe.
Doreen will be sadly missed by her family and friends, many of whom she too missed dearly for so many years.
She will be forever remembered for her kindness, humor, generosity, strength and devoted love of her family.
The family wishes to extend our sincerest gratitude and utmost appreciation for the best care possible Doreen received: Chemainus & Cowichan Ambulance Teams; Chemainus Urgent Care, Lab & Imaging; CDH Emergency & Imaging (Duncan); Royal Jubilee Hospital (Victoria); and Dr. Manhas & Staff (Chemainus).
From the bottom of our hearts to each and every one of you, we send our very, very special thank you.
To our friends, neighbours, and relatives for your love, caring and support we are forever grateful.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the BC Children's Hospital Foundation.
There will be no service by request.