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.