Doreen Mehle

My name is Pat Mahoney and I am honoured to say a few words about my aunt Doreen. She was a cheerful, friendly, fun loving person who was full of life. She made everyone around her happy with her smile and her positive attitude.

As a child, I remember my aunt Doreen visiting and babysitting me almost every week. My mother and she were very close. I was her first niece so Aunt Doreen wanted to spend a lot of time with me. She bought me many dresses and due to her generosity, I was one of the best dressed kids in Toronto. I remember our outings to Sunnyside Park, the show, the exhibition and the many ice cream cones she bought me.

When I was 13, I was honoured to be a bridesmaid at her wedding. She had many suitors and finally found her match with Frank Mehle. I remember that it was a joyful occasion and a cold day in January in the middle of a snowstorm.

As I got older, Aunt Doreen always made an effort to stay involved in my life. We shared a love for travel. When I was 21, I travelled to Europe with a girlfriend. While visiting Italy, she arranged for us to stay with her in-laws. This kind gesture made our trip very memorable.

No matter where we were in our lives, far or close, or whether we saw each other often or not, we always had each other in our hearts.

I really appreciated how she cared about me and I knew I could always count on her for anything I needed.

My favourite memories as an adult with aunt Doreen were spending the holidays, family get togethers and barbeques with her. She was very family oriented and she enjoyed them very much. She helped prepare many meals and her sisterly interaction with my mother was wonderful to watch.

I was very grateful to aunt Doreen when my mother was in the hospital two years ago. She stayed with my mom every day until she got better.

I will miss aunt Doreen’s smile and positive attitude. In her life, she was an incredible aunt, sister and wife. I will always love her.

I will conclude with this poem.

Dear aunt Doreen.

Together on life’s journey

We have travelled you and me

Sharing all the joys of life

Keeping each other company

Sharing lots of happy times

And sometimes sharing tears

Always leaning on each other

Together through the years

And no matter where life leads us

Aunt Doreen, know it's true

It’s been a joy to travel

Down the road of life with you.