In memory of

Doreen Sears

July 7, 1932 -  February 12, 2023

Doreen was one in a thousand – or one in 80,000 to be precise, an en caul or “veiled” birth that marked her as special from the start. Charmed and charming, Doreen cared for everyone around her with a glow that never faded.

The daughter of Mary (née AvRuskin) and Herman Laywine, she grew up on Davisville Avenue, attended North Toronto Collegiate and graduated from the University of Toronto with a B.A. She married architect Henry Sears in 1951 and enjoyed their busy life together until his death in 2003. She pursued a 30-year career as a social worker at Surrey Place, a centre for people with developmental disabilities and complex needs. Doreen loved a good party and a good meal as an ever-welcoming hostess both in the city and at “the farm” in the Beaver Valley.

Doreen lived in her apartment until the end, brought on by a stroke in late January. She died at St. Michael’s Hospital surrounded by the love of her sons Alan and Joel, grandson Jed, partner David Croft, and sister Annabelle Goodman. She also leaves her brother Charles Laywine, son-in-law Ken Leclair and daughter-in-law Kate Taylor, as well as many friends who counted themselves cherished members of Doreen’s extended family.

The family would like to thank the caregivers who were so warm and supportive to Doreen over the last year: Beverley, Bibi, Dominique, Evangela, Karen, Pamela, Shashika, and Lesley who coordinated the
Senior Helpers Toronto team.

Donations in Doreen’s memory may be made to Let’s Grow, a Toronto day program for adults with disabilities, at letsgrowhub.com.

Guestbook 

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MaryBeth Bourne (friend)

Entered February 14, 2023 from Aurora, Ontario

I am thinking of the family, and send my condolences. What a very remarkable woman!

Rob Huang (Senior Helpers Toronto.)

Entered February 14, 2023 from Toronto

Doreen was an amazing soul. It was our pleasure taking care of Doreen and being with her during her last journey. Our entire Senior Helpers Toronto team will miss her. Please let us know if the family needs any support. Doreen will always be in our hearts.

Evangela Kirpaul. (Caregiver. Evangela)

Entered February 14, 2023 from Etobicoke

I Was Very Fortunate And Honoured To Be Given The Opportunity To Be One Of Dorren Caregiver. I Met The Most Beautiful,Loving,Kind Dorren, My Sunshine. It Was Heartbreaking To See Her Go , In The World Beyond’. But Will Be Remember With Her Beautiful Smile, Her Thank You. , And It’s Beautiful. When I Sing To Her You Are My Sunshine, And My Bonnie Lies Over The Ocean. My Deepest Condolences To Her Sons, Allan Joey , Grandson, Sister, Annabelle , Brother, Nephew’s, And Her Partner David. And All The Many Friends That Visited Dorren. Rest In Heavenly Peace Sweet Dorren. 🌹🙏🌹

Alan & Gail littlewood (Lifelong friend)

Entered February 14, 2023 from Nelson , B.C.

"Push the handle back!"

Lisa Manning (Niece)

Entered February 14, 2023 from Toronto, Ontario

It is a difficult thing to say goodbye to such an astoundingly wonderful person, yet we can all take some comfort in the fact that the magnitude of warmth, love, and positivity that Doreen possessed and shared with everyone she encountered will persist as a force within us long past this sad day. Thank you, Doreen, for everything. Godspeed.

Photos 

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