Obituary of Doreen Plowman

PLOWMAN -- Doreen Plowman died peacefully in her sleep Saturday, February 7 in the Yorkton & District Nursing Home, Yorkton, Sask. A long-time resident of Winnipeg, Doreen was predeceased by her loving husband Donald Plowman who passed way in August 2008. They moved to Yorkton in April 2008 so family could care for them after Don was diagnosed with cancer. Doreen was born December 14, 1925 in Winnipeg. Her father, Louis Dolgoy became a fruit peddler when he came to Canada in 1911 from Latvia. Doreen, a high school graduate, also studied secretarial skills that became useful in her work and causes. Doreen was proud of her heritage and was active in the Winnipeg progressive Jewish community. Throughout her life she loved to read, sing, dance and listen to music. Doreen married Don on April 26, 1952. Together they enjoyed many friendships. They loved music, theatre and being with nature. They loved to travel and visited many places in the world. Don had a quick wit and Doreen loved to laugh. In the 1950s they were active in the civil rights movement. In the 1960s they marched against American involvement in Vietnam, and boycotted California grapes and lettuce in support of poor migrant workers. In the 1970s and 1980s, they joined tens of thousands in peace walks to call for the banning of nuclear weapons. They both had a social conscience. They believed if you were not a part of the solution, you were a part of the problem. Doreen traveled to many World Peace Conferences and was awarded the Winnipeg YWCA Peace Medal in 1998. In their last years together one ritual was a Sunday drive to Bird's Hill Park for lunch at the "Ranch." They also loved exploring country side roads and occasionally getting lost. Doreen missed Don and all her Winnipeg friends. She kept in touch with many of them. While in the care home, Doreen discovered a wide interest in DVDs, particularly dramas about relationships and people making a difference. As her health and spirit declined she reviewed her life and felt fulfillment and purpose. Doreen will be missed by many, and left her mark on the world. Doreen enjoyed her grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is survived by daughters Carol Shelton, of Las Vegas; Ruth Love, of Yorkton; and Cathy Plowman-Watts, of Toronto. Doreen has four grandchildren: Melanie Spokes, of Regina; Christopher Love, of Canora, SK; Adria Decorte, of Las Vegas; and Claire Shelton, of Reno, NV. Contributions can be made to Project Peacemakers: 745 Westminster Ave. Winnipeg, Manitoba R3G 1A5 - 204-775-8178, or cards to 191 Fifth Ave. South, Yorkton, SK. S3N 3G9. Funeral services will take place at a later date in Winnipeg. Bailey's Funeral Home in care of arrangements.