DALES, Doreen Gale

After a short battle with an illness, Doreen Gale Dales (née McGarry) passed away peacefully in her home, surrounded by family, on February 2nd, 2025. She was 73 years old.

Doreen leaves behind her beloved husband of 48 years Jim, her loving children Kimberley McKnight (Trevor), Shaun Dales (Sara), Justin Dales (Rachel), Adam Dales (LeeAnn), and Meaghan Dales, as well as 9 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Doreen and Jim both wanted a big family and it was the honour of her life to be a mother. She cherished all of the time she got to spend with her family.

Doreen was born in Berlin, Germany and immigrated to Canada with her family when she was 4 years old. They settled in Guelph where Doreen lived for almost all of her life.

Doreen was called to a career in service, and studied to be a nurse in Stratford. She worked as a nurse for over 20 years until a workplace injury forced her to stop working.

Doreen was an incredibly skilled folk artist - a hobby she shared with her own mother. When her chronic pain prevented her from painting any longer, she switched to drawing with coloured pencils and excelled equally in that medium. The walls of her home as well as those of her children are covered in her art. Doreen also loved to garden, bake, and knit. She excitedly passed these passions along to her children and grandchildren. 

Doreen will forever be loved and missed by her family and the local community she created.

A private cremation has already taken place and a private celebration of life will be held in the near future.