Doris Jean McNabb

Doris Jean McNabb (nee Abel) passed away peacefully on July 25, 2023 at the Erickson Personal Care Home, Erickson Manitoba.

Doris was born on June 19, 1925 in Minnedosa to Thomas and Katie Abel, and grew up on the family farm. Doris attended Cameron School and Church and took part in Young Peoples, singing with the Choral Singers, and various community activities. When she was 18 she taught for a year as a “permit teacher” at Wallace School south of Rapid City, and the following year she took a business course in Winnipeg and worked for the Wallace Taylor Insurance Company.

On June 29, 1946 Doris married Don McNabb and took up farming on Sec 15-15-18, in the Cameron district. In the years that followed three children were born - Robert, Barbara and Heather.

Doris was active with the Cameron Community Club, United Church Women, choir, and the Minnedosa and District Health Auxiliary. She was proud to receive a Life Certificate from the Health Auxiliary.

In 1968 Don purchased the Minnedosa Feed Mill, and Doris took on the role of bookkeeper. Upon retirement, they had more time to enjoy other activities, and spent many happy hours camping, fishing, and golfing. Over the winter months, they took several trips to Arizona, and made many life-long friends while there. They also had memorable trips to Fiji, Florida, Hawaii, Scotland, Mexico, and Alaska.

Over the years, ten grandchildren were born, and in time, seventeen great grandchildren. Doris loved nothing more than spending time with her grandchildren and hearing of their achievements and experiences. She was so proud of every one.

In 2007 Don passed away. After 61 years of marriage, Doris started a new chapter in her life. She remained in her home on the farm, moving to Minnedosa in 2011. Doris embraced her new life in Minnedosa. She loved people and social events and was happy whenever anyone called to visit. Her nieces and nephews, family and friends were so good to always include her and she appreciated their thoughtfulness. Doris loved her family, but she also had a great love for her community and Minnedosa, and it was with the support and caring of family, friends and her community, that she was able to live independently for 96 years.

Doris moved to the Erickson Personal Care Home in April, 2022, where once again she engaged in making new friends with the staff and residents, and taking part in activities.

Doris loved her life on the farm and in Minnedosa, and she cherished the friendships she made throughout her life. She will be forever remembered for her thoughtful and caring way. We will miss her smile and laughter, her kindness and love.

Doris was predeceased by her husband, Don, brother Alex, and sister-in-law, Verna, nephews Lloyd and Murray Abel. She is survived by her children Bob (Elaine), grandchildren Dana and Dan (Jake and Alex), Lauren and Ryan (Nolan and John), Robert and Monica (Oscar) and Michael and Vanessa (Bailey, Cayson, Kinsley); Daughter Barbara (Brian), grandchildren Caroline (Cassidy), Patricia, Michelle and Matt (Zachary and Landon); Daughter Heather (Grant), grandchildren Wendy and Chris (Adam, Catherine, Sarah), Diane and Mike (Hannah and Brenna), Janet and Jordan (Evey Jean).

A graveside internment service, followed by a celebration of life in the Minnedosa United Church was held on August 4, with Rev. Kathy Platt officiating. White’s Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Donations in Doris’ name can be made to the Minnedosa Food Bank.