November 6, 2023
In loving memory ~
Doreen Livingstone (nee Bowden) passed away on November 6, 2023, at the age of 93.
She is survived by her children Michael (Val), Donna, Denis, Stuart (Bev), Janet (Gerry), ten grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren (who called her GG).
Doreen was predeceased by her husband Mackenzie Livingstone (Mac), sister Louise and brothers Daryll, Ian and Neil.
Doreen Bowden was born in Port Alice, B.C. and grew up in Woodfibre and Vancouver, B.C. Upon completion of her teacher training at Normal School, her first teaching position was at the Forks School near Barriere, B.C. At a box lunch social, held to raise money for school equipment, a young man named Mac purchased the new school teacher's boxed lunch. Doreen and Mac were married one year later in 1950 and enjoyed 60 years together.
Doreen and Mac spent the first years of their marriage in Hazelton, B.C. where Doreen taught for two years. During that time their first child, Michael, was born.
In 1952 they moved back to the North Thompson Valley and built their home on Birchmont Ranch in Chinook Cove. Donna, Denis, Stuart, and Janet were added to the family.
In 1958 Doreen returned to teaching, this time at McGillivray School, a one-room schoolhouse with 12 students at the base of Tod Mountain. For the next 25 years, she was known as Mrs. Livingstone or simply Mrs. L. as she continued in the career that she loved, connecting with the lives of hundreds of students. Doreen taught at the primary levels at Heffley Creek, Rayleigh, and Lloyd George schools, retiring from her career at Barriere Elementary School.
Doreen was a dedicated volunteer in many community clubs and organizations throughout her life. She was the secretary of the Barriere Seniors Society for many years and a long-time member of the Barriere and District Heritage Society. She tirelessly gave her time to the Canadian Cancer Society, the Barriere Legion, the Anglican Church, the Mt. Olie Lions, and the Ladies Auxiliary to the Royal Canadian Legion. She spent countless hours volunteering at the North Thompson Fall Fair, in the School Work section and working at the entrance gate.
After her retirement Doreen and Mac traveled to several different countries, enjoying time in the Caribbean and Europe. The Netherlands became a favoured destination. They also delighted in cruising to many different ports of call around North America with family and friends and RV'ing across Canada.
Doreen was an ardent reader who could always be found with a book in her hand and a spare in her bag. During her time with the Barriere Museum and Heritage Society, she played a significant role in the community legacy project book 'Exploring Our Roots' a history of the North Thompson Valley.
One of Doreen's secrets was that she wrote the Barriere North Thompson Star Journal's column "From My Kitchen by Dee". However, she takes with her the secret of how, year after year, she won 1st place in the apple pie baking contest of the North Thompson Fall Fair.
A celebration of life will be held in the spring of 2024.
The family would like to thank the medical community for all the care and attention she received in her last years.