Doreen Jean Gottenberg (Foulkes)
August 11, 1947 – October 5, 2022
Doreen’s family sadly announce her passing at the Vulcan Hospital surrounded with love.
Doreen was born & raised on a small dairy farm, Shropshire, England, the second daughter of Henry and Catherine (Molly) Foulkes. At 11, Doreen’s father died & the family moved to the hamlet of Pentre, and later to Nesscliffe village. She left school before her 15 birthday to work in a local office of an animal feed company, and travelled to Shrewsbury 2-3 times each week to go to night school, taking shorthand and typing.
At 17, Doreen went to work in Shrewsbury – in the administration office of Copthorne Hospital; then the local county Health Department; then one of her favourite jobs at Farm Records. There, Doreen was given a mini van, typewriter, adding machine and visited approximately 30 farms completing farm records and secretarial work in various parts of Shropshire & Wales.
At 23, Doreen went to Australia. In Melbourne, she was a secretary for the Royal Agricultural Show and Melbourne University. Together with 3 other Brits, they adventured around Australia in a station wagon including camping in the “outback”.
Upon Doreen’s return to England, she worked as County Secretary for the Shropshire Federation of Young Farmers Club organizing numerous events including stock judging, poultry trussing, modelling, flower arranging competitions, and more for 28 Young Farmers Clubs.
January 31st, 1975 Doreen landed in Toronto as a new immigrant. She worked as a temporary secretary at Toronto City Hall and law firm, Fasken and Calvin. At nights, she sold dolls at Eaton’s Department store. ‘Temping’ was a choice so she had time to do things she wanted, and often brought her Mum to Canada for shared travel experiences.
Doreen met Russell in Ontario in 1976 and with plans to travel west, opted to travel with him as he was relocating back to the farm in Alberta. On this trip, Doreen had an unexpected kidney stone attack, and after surgery Russell convinced her to convalesce at the Gottenberg farm before moving on. Doreen never left Russell or the farm. Doreen joked for the past 46 odd years she has still been convalescing with Russell taking care of her!
In 1977 Doreen started working for Vulcan Travel & in 1980 bought the company. She and Russell worked together and built a new travel office on Centre Street. Arranging travel for others and traveling themselves & with family was a big part of their lives. Russell and Doreen sold Vulcan Travel in 2008.
Doreen was active in the community as Secretary-Treasurer Vulcan Chamber of Commerce, Leader of 4- H Hot Muffins cooking club, President of the Home & School Association Vulcan Elementary School. Since retiring Doreen and Russell spent 11 winter seasons in Arizona, Doreen enjoyed 7 seasons meeting new people while working in the greenhouse and with flowers at Market Street, Vulcan.
Doreen leaves behind her husband, Russell, children, Angie of Nanaimo, BC and Jonathan and Tarrin of High River, AB. Grandchildren Lachlan, Julia and Brynn, her sister Cath and nephew Edward and family of Shropshire, England.
Doreen’s family would like to invite family and friends to a Get Together in Honour of Doreen. Join them at the Vulcan Lodge Hall, 231 Centre Street, from 4 – 8 pm on Saturday, October 15th to share stories, memories and experiences together.
At Doreen’s request, a private family service will be held at the Vulcan Cemetery.
Tributes in Doreen’s memory can be made to the Vulcan County Health & Wellness Foundation, Box 28, Vulcan, AB T0L 2B0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
Doreen was such a vibrant women with energy to spare. I am so sorry for your loss, Russ and family.
Our loving thoughts go out to you at this sad time. Doreen was such a classy and thoughtful woman and she will be missed , blessings to all her wonderful family.
Dear Russell and family, I am so saddened to hear of Doreen’s passing. She was a very special lady and summer friend. I will keep you in my prayers in the coming months.
Jane Chapman
We were deeply saddened to hear about Doreens passing. A most loving person to know. Our condolence go out Russel and Family. Jan & Roy
Dear Russell, Jonathan & Angie
I am shocked and deeply saddened to learn of Doreen’s passing. Doreen exemplified all that was good in the human spirit. She will be missed and remembered by all who knew her.
With love and sympathy
Leslie Cooke
Sincere condolences to you Russell and your family on the passing of your Wife, Doreen.
Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time.
I am so sorry to hear fo Doreen’s passing. She was a wonderful woman. I remember being down at the lake and she was just the nicest and friendliest lady. I want to send all my thoughts, prayers, and hugs long distance to Russell, Angie, Jonathan, and their families.
We were shocked and so sorry to hear of Doeys passing. Memories of her and her vivacious personality and sparkling smile will live on in the hearts of all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Our deepest condolences to Russel , Angie, Johnathan and Family
RUSSEL AND FAMILY, IM SO LOST FOR WORDS. I WILL REMEMBER HER SWEET SMILE AND SEXY ATTITUDE. HER WILLINGNESS TO DO ANYTHING AND HAVE FUN. IT WAS A GREAT PLEASURE TO HAVE KNOWN HER.
what a wonderful person Doreen was and will remain in our memories always….sincere sympathy to Russell and family,
What a huge loss to you all. She was such a vivacious woman so full of energy and always a big smile for everyone. She left her mark on the whole community. My most sincere condolences to you Russell and the whole family.
Ron Deitz
Russell and family,
I just learned of Doreen’s passing and wanted to offer my condolences to you all. I never met Doreen but her picture and comments from your friends tell me that I missed an opportunity to meet a wonderful person. I am sure you miss her terribly.
Ted Shaw
Oakville, ON
Russell & family,
We have such wonderful memories of our fun times with you and Doreen in AZ. Our prayers for comfort are with you now and in the days to come.
Bob & Lynda Wyss
My thoughts and prayers with Russell, Ang,Jon and families. Just learning that she has passed; my memories brought back how much this beautiful lady had given me. When no one else gave me that chance; Doreen and Russell too me under their wing. Doreen was kind and generous. Her ability to make me laugh and cry at the same moment.
Wish I had reconnected with this beautiful soul. Rest in peace Doreen.
My condolences to Russell and family. Although I personally did not have many interactions with Doreen, my sister (Rose Ann Hartley) and mother (Lola Findlay) spoke of her often and held her in high regard. Doreen helped Rose Ann with travel plans and Mom loved the trips she went on with Doreen as the guide/host. Doreen was knowledgable, personable, adventurous, positive, efficient, kind and fun!! Vulcan County was blessed by Doreen’s wonderful personality and service. She will be dearly missed.
I am in total shock to hear of Doreen’s passing.
She will be missed by everyone who knew her . She was such a fun loving person and a fantastic travel mate.
My sincere condolences to Russell and the family.
Daphne & Pat
Sending heartfelt Condolences Russ, Angie, Jon and family. Doreen had a beautiful smile and a lovely laugh that will be remembered my many. She had a love for her family that will remain her Legacy. Rest well Doreen❤️
I am in shock! I am also very sad to learn of Doreen’s passing! I did not know she had been at all unwell, and I only learned of her death tonight! Doreen was one of those rare people who could fill a room with laughter and excitement just by being there! She was always friendly, upbeat, and, fun! The consummate hostess, Doreen was forever planning parties, dinners, and events … and I will always appreciate the many times I enjoyed Doreen and Russell’s wonderful hospitality! For years Doreen was my travel agent, and for even more years she was my good friend. I shall certainly miss her! My most sincere sympathy goes out to Russell, Johnathan, Angie, and all members of their family.
We will be deeply miss the sunshine and the brightness that glowed from her. We also enjoyed her wit and sense of humour. Our condolences and prayers to Russell and family.
Sincere condolences to the Gottenberg family, Doreen was a wonderful lady always smiling and full of life , she will be missed in our community!
Our sincere condolences to the Gottenberg family! Doreen was such a lovely lady and had always time for a chat and a giggle. She will be greatly missed in this community…
Our condolences, thanks to Doreen , Lesley and I learnt to holiday . And she helped us find wonderful places.
She was a wonderful lady , who always had a smile when you encountered her. Think good thoughts and we hope that over comes the hurt.
Condolences Russell, Angie, Jonathan and family, on the passing of Doreen. She was a lovely lady and a positive influence to many. She will be dearly missed!!
She was a good friend and asset to our community.
Her great smile and sunny personality will be missed by many. Our sincere sympathy to all the family.