Doreen Medway of Brooks, Alberta passed away peacefully in the Calgary Foothills Hospital, surrounded by family on March 29, 2022 at the age of 67. Doreen was born in Brooks, Alberta to her parents, Sverre (Tiny) and Jean Slorstad. She grew up in Sunnynook, AB on the family farm with her brothers and family. She attended New Cessord School and had many lifelong connections and friendships from her childhood. She longed for more than just country living and moved to Brooks shortly after graduating Grade 12, where she worked as a waitress and met her late husband, Jack Medway. In 1974, while pursuing her post-secondary studies, she travelled to Switzerland to study Fashion at The American Fashion School of Switzerland, with her Cousin Louise. She developed a love for culture and a desire to see more of the world and the people in it. This would spark her passion to help others later in life.
Soon after returning back to Canada, she was married and expecting their first child. Jack and Doreen resided in Brooks, AB where they would raise their 3 children together. Doreen enjoyed being a mom and was actively involved with her children as they grew up. She loved to volunteer in all activities her children were involved in and many great lifelong friendships were made. She helped with creating and sewing costumes for Brooks Figure Skating Club for many years and was a talented seamstress. Doreen was also a member of the Brooks Dress Club for many years and her children knew how much she needed and enjoyed spending time with these friends.
Doreen and Jack had 3 children together Tanya, Cindy and Tyler and seven grandchildren. They were one of the first families to live full time at Kinbrook Island Provincial Park year-round making the summer cabin their home at the Lake. Many happy years were spent there with family and friends. As Doreen’s children grew up she continued her passion with helping others and her community. In the early 2000’s Doreen was instrumental in helping with the influx of New Canadians who came to Brooks. She started her immigration career with Saamis Immigration out of Medicine Hat as a Settlement Councillor. As the need in the community grew for settlement services, Doreen played a vital role in the creation of Global Friendship Immigration Center and was the Executive Director until it was closed. She made many connections throughout the community and is known as “Mama Doreen” to many that settled in Brooks. In her later years, Doreen spent her time with her partner Ali and continued to work from home helping many New Canadian families. She loved to cook and often had a new recipe she found that she wanted to cook for her friends and family. She will always be remembered for her generosity and devotion to helping others who needed it. She was pre-deceased by her parents Tiny and Jean Slorstad, and her late husband Jack Medway. She is survived by her partner Ali Kiza of Brooks, her children Tanya Medway (Fazal) of Brooks, Cindy Voutier (Kevin) of Bow City and Tyler Medway (Cara) of Grand Prairie. Her brothers Brad (Norma) and Kevin (Teresa) Slorstad of Sunnynook. She also leaves behind seven grandchildren (Taylor Marie, Nixon, Aydan, Aryn, Hayden and Quin) and numerous great aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A family service will be held at a later date.
