“The way to real growth is not to become more powerful or more famous but to become more human.” – Helen Steiner Rice

Doreen loved life and loved to learn. She always tried to put others first and make the best of every situation. Her strong beliefs and values will live on in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren for many years to come. 

Margaret “Doreen” was born in Chesley on February 1, 1928 to parents John and Ida (Manley) Harvie. She was soon joined by younger brothers Robert “Bob” and Raymond. Sadly, their Father John passed away when Doreen and her brothers were young. Her Mother was a School Teacher and they lived in various locations for her employment during Doreen’s youth. Over the years their Grandmother, Dorinda Fortune (Manley), was there to help with the children. Doreen attended both public school and high school in Chesley.

During an evening out at a dance, Doreen was introduced to a young man by the name of John “Allan” Robson Cook. The two hit it off immediately and were soon married, October 7, 1944, at the manse of the United Church in Southampton. The young couple settled on a farm in Derby Township and before long their family began to grow. They welcomed Fred in 1945, Harvie in 1946, Joan in 1950, Bob in 1955 and Marion in 1957.

Doreen was a very resourceful woman and determined to be a good homemaker.  She drew on the knowledge of all those around her and worked hard to provide a good home for her young family. In 1953, the Cook family moved to a farm on the 4th of Elderslie. They remained there until 1966 when they moved to another farm in Sullivan Township, near Marmion. Over these years she was involved with the Marmion Women’s Institute.

She returned to school as an adult to obtain her College diploma as a Personal Support Worker, this in her 50’s!  She worked at Parkview Manor Nursing Home in Chesley as a health care aid, a position she enjoyed until her retirement at the age of 65. Doreen had a passion for health care, and was highly effective in this role.

As they approached their retirement Doreen and Allan got to spend a lot more quality time together. Camping was something they both enjoyed and they spent several years at Cedar Rail Campground in Scone where they loved entertaining friends and family. Here Doreen never missed the opportunity to enjoy a good camp fire!

Doreen’s love of photography allowed her to capture precious memories of family and travel. These beautiful pictures will allow her family to easily recall the many memorable occasions they enjoyed throughout her life.

They also enjoyed dancing and entertaining friends and family with their music. Allan was self-taught on the violin and Doreen on the piano (she even took some lessons in her retirement).

In retirement they did a bit of travelling.  On one trip they saw part of the east coast while visiting her brother Ray and family in Nova Scotia.  They also travelled north frequently to visit family, along with trips to Thousand Islands and the US.

They moved back to Chesley in retirement to the home where Doreen was born.  Although active throughout her entire life, Doreen was able to continue her involvement with her Church, St. John’s United, and more specifically the UCW.

Doreen was a proud, compassionate, and generous woman who was also practical and determined.  She was always up for new adventures. But more than anything, she was a caregiver, not only to her husband and children, but in recent years to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Allan’s sudden death in 2009 created another challenge for Doreen. This was the first time in her entire life were she was forced to live alone. Doreen used this situation to further learn and grow as an independent woman.

As Doreen progressed through her 80’s, she obtained a computer and learned more about technology. She became mildly involved with social media, such as Facebook and YouTube, (yes, you got that right).

Doreen continued her love for cards and participated in various weekly local groups in Euchre and Solo. This was an integral part of her life for the past many years and through this, her friendships grew. She also used this time to enjoy her life-long passion for reading. As a young girl, she loved Lucy Maud Montgomery. In later years, she enjoyed romantic novels, anything to do with history or politics, and finally the work of Helen Steiner Rice.

Sadly, Doreen suffered a severe stroke at the end of October and passed away at Grey Bruce Health Services, Owen Sound on Sunday, November 18, 2018 in her 91st year.

Loving mother of Fred and his wife Norma of London, Robert and his partner Janice Cook Harvey of Durham, Joan and her husband Mark Farrow of Chesley, Marion and her husband Paul Barton of Stoney Creek and Mother-in-Law of Tena Cook of Owen Sound. Doreen will live on in the hearts and minds of her grandchildren, Steve, Laura, Jennifer, Carrie, Chris, Ashley, Aaron, Paula, Josh, Sarah and Andrew as well as her great-grandchildren Maya, Quinn, Sophie, Tony, Maddie, Brett, Kirstyn, Dylan, Ashlynn, Aidan, Alexa and Ellie. She will be fondly remembered by her brother Ray Harvie and his wife Lillian of Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Doreen is predeceased by her husband Allan, son Harvie, brother Bob Harvie and her parents, John and Ida (Manley) Harvie.

A memorial service celebrating Doreen’s life will be held at St. John’s United Church, Chesley on Thursday, November 22, 2018 at 11 a.m. Inurnment in Chesley Cemetery 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to St. John’s United Church or Heart & Stroke Foundation would be appreciated as expressions of sympathy.