Obituary of Doreen Caroline Brackenbury

Doreen C. Brackenbury (née Bonner)

September 17, 1936 - January 27, 2024

Beloved wife of Bennett for 67 years and guiding light for 7 children: Stephen (Susan), John (Sharon), Anne (Sue), Phillip (Carey), Tom (Rae Ellen), Peter (Jenny), Julia (Ryan). 

As Doreen’s vigour waned in recent days, these loving families took turns holding her hand around the clock, ensuring their presence to her. 

Doreen is survived by her sister Catherine Flatla of Ottawa, her sister-in-law Fran Bonner of Barrie, nieces and nephews, and their extended families.

Doreen doted on her 14 grandchildren: Ryan (Rashmi), Daniel, Keiran, Bridget, Claya, Ruby, Simon, Joe (Matthew), Paige, Meaghan, Miles, Claire, Charlie, Oliver. 

Just one of many highlights ‘Grandma B’ loved to do with these ‘superkids”, was celebrating her birthday at Pete and Jenny’s house in the Northumberland Hills, hiking, playing baseball, and just sharing their ‘presence’.

While loving and guiding her children, Doreen found time to support community activities including visiting the sick in the area hospitals, volunteering in the Hotel Dieu gift shop, and working part-time at the Kingston Public Library.

Words fall short of capturing the impact Doreen had on those around her. The profound ways in which she touched our lives are better captured in the way love resonated from her radiant smile and the care that she baked into her cooking. A steadying presence, Doreen could make you feel at home no matter where you were. And she did just that. As the family moved cities over the years, she continuously provided the safety, comfort, and love that  turned each house into a home. A guiding light indeed, Doreen ensured you could always find your way home. What’s more, she gracefully showed others the tools and pathways for building nurturing homes of their own. A gentle matriarch in these ways, Doreen’s loving family and friends are her lasting legacy. 

Our family is deeply grateful for Doreen’s dedicated personal caregivers, Rhonda and Kyoko, and the caring and wonderful staff at Providence Manor long-term care home and KGH. 

Rite of Christian burial will take place 11AM Wednesday January 31, 2024 at St. Mary’s Cathedral (St. James Chapel) Reception afterwards 12:30PM to 2:30PM at Robert J. Reid & Sons Funeral Home - 309 Johnson Street.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Vincent de Paul Society of Kingston, 85 Stephen Street, Kingston, ON K7K 2C5.