Doreen Margaret Gilbride

Doreen Margaret Gilbride moved through the world with strength, enthusiasm, and a deep loyalty to those she loved. Born in Montreal, she was predeceased by her parents, Margaret (Lobar) and Lawrence T. Gilbride; her beloved brother, Larry (Joan); her second husband, Gerald Lipsky; and her dear daughter, Erin Leigh Ann Higgins.

A lifelong nurse, Doreen earned her RN at St. Mary’s Hospital School of Nursing in Montreal and later her BSN at University of Victoria. She devoted her working life to nursing in 6 hospitals in Quebec, Manitoba, and Ontario, eventually becoming Director of Care for 22 years at Foyer Maillard in Coquitlam, British Columbia. She was clinical and practical, yet deeply caring and adaptable — known for her unwavering reliability and exceptional standard of care.

Doreen delighted in travel, good food, thoughtful conversation, current events, and lively discussions at the Salt Spring Island Forum. Her circle of lifelong friends grounded and enriched her life. Her home reflected her love of story, filled with carefully labeled photo albums and cherished mementos collected over decades.

Even as dementia and alzheimer’s gradually changed her world, Doreen’s wit, spark, social nature, resilience, and independence remained at the heart of who she was. She maintained relationships with friends and family until the end and remained unmistakably herself.

She is deeply missed and lovingly remembered by her children Lara Higgins (Steven Tuckey) and Sean Higgins; grandchildren Matthew Tuckey (Aïcha Ducharme-LeBlanc) and Jackson Tuckey; stepchildren Ilana (Colin) Hoegler and Evan Lipsky; and step-grandchildren Madison, Jack, and Wyatt.

A Mass Intention will be held Friday, August 8 at 9:00 a.m. at St. Anthony’s Church, Calgary. Her final resting place will be in Victoria, BC, at the Royal Oak Burial Park. A celebration of life will occur in Victoria at a future date, with details to be determined.

“In her honour, raise a glass, write a card, or reconnect with a friend. She would have liked that.”