We Remember
GIEBELHAUS, Doreen Patricia
November 17, 1930 — September 18, 2021
Born in Styal, AB on November 17, 1930, Doreen Patricia Giebelhaus passed away on September 18, 2021, in Kelowna, BC.
Doreen Patricia Hadley (Giebelhaus) was born on November 17th, 1930. She would often say she was the last to be born in a barn. She was the 13th of 15 children. She started life In Evansburg, Alberta. Doreen is survived by her younger brother Jerry Hadley and younger sister Shirley Worth, her children Richard and Jeff Giebelhaus, and her 7 grandchildren, Katelynn, Ryland, Jenelle, Diora, Kassius, Loki, and Piper. After moving to Edmonton, she met her future husband, Wally Giebelhaus, in the penalty box while public ice skating. Doreen joked it was the longest penalty in hockey history.
They moved to Kelowna in 1965, so Wally could follow his dreams of waterskiing at 6 am on the lake while Doreen drove the boat. She loved that. Well not really, but she never let on how much she really hated it till Wally passed. She was that type of lady. Most people knew her as kind and caring and someone who would do anything for you. We all were so lucky to have her as our matriarch. For many years she enjoyed working at the Underhill Clinic right across from City Park. After work, Wally and the boys would meet her at the Fintry Queen Dock almost every day in the summer. Doreen would bring a bucket of Brownies, Chicken, and her famous potato salad, and the family would picnic in their boat on the lake enjoying the Okanagan summers together. And of course, Doreen would drive the boat so Wally could ski. We were so lucky she let our father move us to Kelowna. We all enjoyed a great life together in the Okanagan all because she let it happen.
Thank You, Mom.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Doreen’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or the Alzheimer Society of Canada.
Due to the current pandemic restrictions, there will be no service at this time. There will be a private family gathering in the near future.
If you wish to send a condolence, post photos, or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Condolences”.
Share with Others:
Canadian Cancer Society or the Alzheimer Society of Canada Link: support.cancer.ca, alzheimer.ca
Condolences
Jeff and Rich, sorry to hear about the passing of your mom. I’m sure Wally met her at the dock with the boat fuelled and ski polished up ready for a tow!
We know both of you boys will miss your mother a great deal but you also know her health and well being are no longer a worry for either of you. Just be assured she is in a far better place. May she rest in peace.
Time will make this easier for both of you boys. Know she is a far better place and is free of her confused state. She is finally Mom and Doreen again. We will miss her always but we also know this is for the best
Mona and Jerry
Goodbye Auntie Doreen! I haven’t seen you for many years but I will still miss you! I have so many good memories of you when I was little and we’d go and stay with you in your apartment in Edmonton! Heavenly hugs to you! I was named after you!
So sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Aunt Doreen.
To Doreen’s family: I was so sorry to hear of Doreen’s passing. I got to know her at Mission Creek Alliance and she was a true lady with a spark of humour and genuine concern for others. It’s hard to imagine she has gone but as much as she will be missed here, I have no doubt she is in a better place. May she Rest In Peace.