Doreen Drew

DREW, Doreen – it is with profound sadness that we share the peaceful passing of our beloved Matriarch, Doreen Ardyce Drew (nee Bullock), on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at the age of 96 years. 

Doreen Ardyce Drew of Westmeath, she was born on July 12, 1927, the eldest child to Douglas and Lucy Vienna Bullock of Stanstead, Quebec. She is predeceased by her brother Tony (Sandy) Bullock and Allen Lloyd, and survived by siblings, Frances (late Mac) Molony, Carroll (Gladys) Bullock, Reta (late Albert, "Sonny") Monfette and Galen (Maggie) Bullock. 

In 1946 she married her soulmate and husband of 53 years, Austin Drew (died 1999), and together they created a legacy of love, faith, and deeply rooted community, first in Dunrobin and eventually settling in Westmeath, Ontario. Of all their successes as a couple, they were unequivocally the proudest of the family they created together. Doreen was a doting mother to 9 children: Norma-Jean (late Carl) Brink, Lyndsay (Chris) Drew, late Holly (Rick) Lacroix, Murray (Wendy) Drew, Connie (Donnie) Markwick, Christine (Arthur) Richardson, Douglas (Kerrie) Drew, Mark (Donna) Drew and Bruce (Pam) Drew. Loving nanny to 20 grandchildren: Serena, Jason (Lori), Tosha (Ian), Troy (Katherine), Patricia (Mark), Angela (Eddy), late Jeffery, Ronald-John (Star), Keith (Katrina), Moira (Peter), Erin (Gord), Ashley (Matthew), Melissa, Christopher (Jackie), Joey, late Jamie, Meagan (Corey), Trina (Ryan), Brandon (Genevieve) and Cassandra (Riley). Great-Nanny to 23 great-grandchildren: Brendan, Sydney, Owen, MacKenzie, Anthoney, Joey, Ronan, late Grace, Samantha, late Jessica, Zoey, Greyson, Hazel, Emma, Ella, Rowyn, Easton, Berniece, Austin, Dawson, Darcie, Braden and Callen and one more on the way.  

Doreen’s life was one of service to others, and she will be fondly remembered as a treasured parishioner of St. Andrew’s United Church in Westmeath, committed philanthropist, cherished mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, sister and friend. Her positive outlook on life, even when faced with untimely and extreme loss, was a testament to her strong spirit and rock-solid faith. Doreen loved Jesus and lived a life full of the fruits of the spirit; Love, Joy, Peace, Patience, Kindness, and Goodness. While we will miss her dearly, we take comfort in the fact that she is home with her Lord and Savior, and finally reunited with her beloved Austin, brother Tony, daughter Holly and grandchildren Jefferey, Jamie, Jessica, and Grace. 

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you?
When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.”              -John 14:1-3 

Memorial Visitation will be held at the Malcolm, Deavitt & Binhammer Funeral Home, 141 Renfrew St., Pembroke, on Saturday, November 25, 2023, from 10:00 a.m to 12:00 p.m., followed by a memorial service in the chapel beginning at 12:00 p.m.  Reception to follow the service at St. Andrew’s United Church in Westmeath. The memorial service will be livestreamed. Please click this link to register https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=0f44f47e-cc6c-4ee4-8a0b-c79947f425fa Arrangements entrusted to Malcolm, Deavitt & Binhammer Funeral Home, Pembroke. As an expression of sympathy, donations to St. Andrew’s United Church, Westmeath or CHEO are appreciated. Online donations/condolences are available at www.mdbfuneralhome.com