We Remember
ENSIGN, Doreen Mary (née Underhill)
October 25, 1931 — March 30, 2023
It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, Doreen Ensign of West Kelowna, at the age of 91. Doreen passed away peacefully on March 30, 2023, at Kelowna General Hospital with family by her side.
Doreen was predeceased by her husband, Russell Ensign, on September 30, 2013; and her parents Dr. A.S Underhill & Mrs. Joyce Underhill. She is survived by her beloved sister Lois Bennett (RJ); her four children: Rusty, Chris (Sandra), Shauna Bakala (Cam), and Cam (Kim); nine grandchildren: Louis (Lindsay), Kersty (Jordan), Elysia (Scott), Jaxson (Chantelle), Alana (Cole), Mackenzie, Ava, Darby, and Duncan; six great-grandchildren; as well as many nieces and nephews.
Doreen was born and raised in our beautiful City of Kelowna, BC. Graduating from Kelowna High School. She continued her studies, enrolling in the Royal Columbia Hospital, graduating as a Registered Nurse in 1952.
Doreen was an accomplished athlete, winning the Kelowna High School athlete of the year award. She played with the Kelowna Aces soft ball team and competed in the BC provincial championships as well as the war canoe races during the Kelowna Regatta. She enjoyed playing basketball, competed in track and field, synchronized swimming, snow skiing and water-skiing. Doreen was an avid tennis player and played weekly until the age of 79. She loved all sports and could carry on a knowledgeable conversation about all current professional leagues. Alongside sports, her other passion was bridge and playing with her much beloved bridge club up until last year.
Doreen and Russ married in 1957 and made their first home in an orchard located beside the lake in Okanagan Centre. In 1962, they purchased a cattle ranch in Westbank and relocated to live and raise their family until her passing. Russ, Doreen, and family spent many years either horseback riding, boating on Okanagan Lake, camping and fishing the local lakes, or on the coastal waters of BC. Doreen and Russ spent their final years travelling to Hawaii for the winters or cruising to exotic destinations around the world.
Doreen remained in the family home on the ranch until her final days, where she was the happiest planting her vegetable and rose gardens and going for walks around the ranch. Doreen took great pleasure witnessing the farm transform through all the seasons, while enjoying her pets (Joe and Buddy), and the calves being born.
Doreen touched many lives with her sweet disposition, beautiful smile, and never-ending kindness to everyone. She felt very blessed to have had such a wonderful life and was ready to re-unite with her cowboy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Kelowna General Hospital Foundation.
A celebration of Doreen Ensign’s life will be held on SUNDAY, APRIL 16, 2023, at 1:00 PM, at SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME, 2020 Springfield Road, Kelowna, BC. A reception will follow after the service at Springfield Funeral Home.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
LIVESTREAM LINK:
Service
SUNDAY, APRIL 16, 2023, at 1:00 PM
Location
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME
Share with Others:
KGH Foundation Link: www.kghfoundation.com
Service Information
Service Details
The service for ENSIGN, Doreen Mary (née Underhill) is scheduled for SUNDAY, APRIL 16, 2023, at 1:00 PM. Below you will find the map for the service location and the contact information should you have any questions.
Address & Contact for Service Location:
SPRINGFIELD FUNERAL HOME
2020 Springfield Road Kelowna, BC
Phone:
Special Requests:
None.
Funeral Pointers:
Condolences
So sorry to hear of your Mothers passing. Sending condolences and prayers to the family during this heartbreaking time. 🌹🌹🌹🙏🙏🙏♥️
My deepest condolences to the whole Ensign clan. Doreen was one of a kind and will never be replaced. Cherish the fond memories of cattle branding and such …. She went well and beyond at making everyone feel welcomed. And always cooked up a storm with the best pies in town. My deepest thoughts are with you all at this difficult loss in a family. ❤️ Always Chuckey.
So sad to hear that we all lost such a beautiful lady and friend. So many happy memories are left with us with Doreen’s passing. The many tree hunts, bon fires, branding, picnics, and all of our babies and children all over roasting marshmallows, and enjoying the famous Ensign chili. Doreen was the nicest person We have ever had the honor to have for a friend. May God bless her and keep her close.
With love to all of her family,
Gord and Jude
My condolences to the Ensign family on your loss. May you find comfort in each other, in fond memories of her and in the pictures and mementoes that go along with a life well lived and as active as Doreen. May she Rest in Peace.
Dan Albas MP
We are so sorry to hear about Doreen. We have many happy memories of her. We both enjoyed her so much. Our condolences to the family.
Stanley and Annabel
Rusty, Shauna, Chris and Cam,
So sorry to hear about the loss of your mom. I saw her a few months ago and she had the same contagious smile that we all love. I always admired your mother’s caring and selfless nature. She was truly a lovely woman and will be missed by many of us.
Love to all of you,
Julie and David Crawford
Dear Rusty, Shauna, Chris and Cam, we are so very sorry to hear of your darling Mom’s passing. She has been such a good friend for so many years. Always smiling through good times and difficult times, loving and caring and so generous. I remember our kids getting green eggs from your chickens on the farm, riotous Bull Sale parties, Shauna’s wedding and wonderful holidays with your Mom and Dad in Hawaii. Our friendship has meant so much to us. We sent our love and sympathy to all your family. Bob and Sheila Macdonald
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
Day by day, may the light of your memories heal your sorrow and bring you peace ❤️
great speach Rusty you just about covered everything except the time all you drunks slept in and i went with your mum and dad down the lake for breakfast in the new boat P S have a beer for me mate .
Doreen & I worked at the Cottonwoods Adult Day Program long ago. The obituary description of Doreen’s ” sweet position, beautiful smile, and never-ending kindness to everyone” states my feelings for Doreen perfectly. A lovely woman and Doreen was blessed to have such a great life…..long, safe and loving family.
Shauna, Cam and the kids.
So sorry to hear about your Mom and Grandma. I only had the pleasure of meeting her a few times and she was a nice and very pretty lady. I know this is such a sad time, and there’s something about having lost both parents that is tragically profound. I’m glad you have so many memories together. It will carry you through.