Doreen Garrish

It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of Doreen Garrish at Passamaquoddy Lodge in St Andrews, New Brunswick, on February 15, 2025, at ninety-six years of age.

Doreen was pre-deceased by her parents, John King and Beatrice Hoar, her two brothers Bill King (England) and Harry Waring (Ontario) and her husband of 50 years Frank Garrish. She is survived by her four children, Brent (Lori) Garrish of Caledon, Ontario, Barry (Ginette) Garrish of Napan, NB, Brenda Garrish of Bocabec, NB, and Sandra Garrish of St. Andrews, NB. Doreen leaves behind five grandsons and one granddaughter, all of whom she was immensely proud of: John Garrish (Kristi), Bobby Garrish, Brent Garrish (Stephanie), Blair Garrish, Frank Duguay (Julie) and Kaylee Hall. She will be missed by her four great grandchildren: Emma, Payton, Deacon, Frankie, and also by her three nephews, Peter (Cathy) Waring (Ontario), Andrew Waring (Loggieville) and Michael (Charleste) King (Colorado), and three nieces, Sylvia Russo (Montreal), Deborah Baker (England) and Julia King (Australia).

Born in Hammersmith England, in 1928, Doreen had lost both her parents by the time she was a teen. On her own during World War II, as her brothers were off fighting, she felt called to help with the war efforts and joined the Land Army. At the end of the war, she boarded the Royal Empress of France and headed for Canada, where she knew no one. She quickly found employment just outside of Toronto and shortly there after met the man who would eventually become her husband, Frank Garrish of Quarryville, NB. Together they raised their children for many years in Ontario before settling back in New Brunswick, living at various locations on the Miramichi and Fredericton.

Doreen was well known for her work ethic, her integrity, her ability to make everyone feel welcome, but most of all, for her strength of spirit. In her past time whether she was sewing, knitting, gardening, or baking, there were few that could surpass her skill. She was the Skip Bo Queen and an accomplished pianist. In her later years she moved to Charlotte County to be closer to her daughters and gained thirteen international grand daughters from all over the world, who fondly called her “their Canadian Nanny.” Her other motherly distinction came as a result of her daughter’s special care home, where she became Nanny to five special needs men for over forty years. 

In Doreen’s last chapter of life, she enjoyed living in her own apartment on the Saint Croix River, with the aid of her support worker/ dear friend Theresa Casey. Doreen’s health struggles were many and yet she expected no preferential treatment, and never complained. Even at the end of her life she managed to downplay her hardships, was always well mannered, and cheeky with her favourite staff at the Passamaquoddy Lodge. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, auntie, friend, resident and inspiration, that will be forever missed. 

A funeral service will take place at Northumberland Funeral Home Chapel, 102 Pleasant St., Miramichi, NB, on Saturday, February 22, at 2 pm, with Rev. Geza Szemok officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Canada, or a charity of one’s choice.

Funeral arrangements are in the care of Northumberland Funeral Home & Crematorium, 102 Pleasant St, telephone (506) 622-7741. Where your loved one never leaves our care.