Doreen Florence (nee Drake) Strauch, of Gravelbourg, SK, and formerly Shamrock, SK, passed away on Saturday, June 11, 2016, at St. Joseph Hospital in Gravelbourg, at the age of 78. Doreen was born on the family farm December 6, 1937, to Reginald and Bessie Drake. She was the youngest of 7 children, 1 baby girl passed away at birth. Doreen's parents were older when she was born, and her oldest sibling was 21 years old! Many of Doreen's cousins would come stay at the farm over the summer, and those friendships stood the test of time. Doreen took her schooling at Shamrock and had beautiful penmanship. She loved writing and sending letters to her friends and family. She enjoyed sports, was a member of the 4-H Calf Club as a young girl, and played ball. Doreen met Adolph Strauch at a young age and they soon fell in love. They would meet up on horseback and ride to Shamrock for dates. Doreen and Adolph were married on November 9, 1956, and were blessed with 5 children, Reg, Brad, Mona, Calvin and Kevin. Doreen's dad passed away in March of 1957 and her mom stayed with Doreen and Adolph for a while at their home. Her mom passed away December 22, 1962. Doreen was very active in her community when she wasn't busy on the farm, helping with cattle, chicken, and any tasks that needed to be done. She drove her children to all their events, sporting, music, 4-H, lots of hockey, and swimming lessons. Trips camping, fishing and skiing kept her busy. Doreen was a member of the Ladies Lioness Club. She also obtained her bus driver license and would spare for Adolph, eventually taking on her own route. Doreen loved gardening, every seed had to be evenly spaced, canning, her evergreen trees, flowers, and bird watching. She knew every species of bird around, and the name of every flower, perennial and tree she planted. She worked many, many years alongside her good friend and schoolmate Marlene Arnold, in both Provincial and Federal Elections, holding many positions. Doreen and Mona had the unique pleasure of working the last Provincial Election together in Gravelbourg. Doreen was an awesome cook, baker and chauffeur. She had the best buns around, made Angel food cakes from scratch, and later a delicious pink square. Doreen loved playing cards, house rules of course, dancing, and ceramics. In the late 1990's, Doreen started working alongside Reg at the RBM Lucky Dollar store in Shamrock, and enjoyed coffee and visiting with the "locals". The SGI Issuing office, and later the Post Office, were also a part of the stores duties in years to come. Doreen sold Avon for many years and collected a large number of their items, particularly the Christmas Plates. She loved garage and auction sales, and was on a first name basis with the auctioneers. Doreen never stepped foot in a bar, or drank, but when the VLT's came along she was often seen doing a little fun gambling at the Casinos. Doreen took care of her beloved Adolph at home and at the Villa as long as she could. When Adolph moved to the Foyer d' Youville in Gravelbourg, Doreen could be found there at almost any hour, napping with him, watching TV and drinking coffee, or holding hands in the common room or on the patio. Doreen treasured the time spent with her family, and dearly missed Adolph when he passed away last August. Doreen was a kind and loving person, and memories of her will forever be in the hearts of her family and friends.
Doreen is survived by her loving family, son Reg Strauch; son Brad (Rosanne) Strauch; daughter Mona (Amedee) Lorrain; son Calvin Strauch; son Kevin Strauch (Dawn Roberts); grandchildren Jennifer (Trevor) Moss, Dylan Strauch (Danielle Tataryn), Justin (Sarah) Lorrain, Anthony Lorrain, Justine Lorrain (Kyle Benn), Teig Strauch, Kenzie Strauch, Melissa Strauch (Dalton Sayer); great grandchildren Julie Moss, Riley Moss, Abigail Lorrain, Izaiah Strauch, Iladelle Sayer-Strauch; sisters-in-law Clara Drake and Anne Strauch; brother-in-law Dave Strauch. Predeceased by her husband Adolph Strauch (August 6, 2015); father Reginald Shittler Drake (1957), mother Bessie May Raymond (1962); siblings Ken (Winnie) Drake, Evelyn (Robert) Burr, Bruce (Beatrice) Drake, Jim (Ruth) Drake, Jack Drake; father and mother-in-law Christian and Charlotte Strauch; brothers-in-law Jake Strauch, Albert (Kay) Strauch, Alex Strauch; sisters-in-law Mary (George) Harris, Sylvia Strauch. Funeral Service was held on Friday, June 17, 2016, at 1:00 p.m., at the Shamrock Community Hall, Shamrock, SK, with Pastor Bob Langdon officiant. Readers were Rosanne Strauch and Dawn Roberts. The eulogy was shared by Don Strauch. Pallbearers were Justin Lorrain, Anthony Lorrain, Justine Lorrain, Jennifer Moss, Trevor Moss, Dylan Strauch, and Melissa Strauch. Interment took place at the Shamrock Cemetery. Memorial donations in memory of Doreen to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, 1738 Quebec Ave Unit 26, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9, were greatly appreciated.
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