SLINGERLAND, Doreen Marie (née Gorr)

15 February 1933 – 25 January 2026

Surrounded by loving family, Doreen left this life on January 25, 2026 after living for many years with the challenges of Parkinson’s disease. She was predeceased by her husband, Frank, and by her brother, William Gorr. Her memory will be cherished by her daughters Lynn Verner (Rob), Joyce Slingerland (Richard Tiberius), Cally Martin (Roger), and Fran Slingerland (John Scholberg), and by her grandchildren, Jessica, Robert, Christopher, Kiry, Simon, and Jules. She is also survived by three sisters, Joan Gorr, Sally Borgman, and Lynn Umpherson, and by seven great-grandchildren.

Born in snowy Vennachar, Ontario, Doreen grew up with her paternal grandparents, her parents, and four siblings on the family farm at Gorr Mountain near Plevna, Ontario. She enjoyed her childhood and worked with the family on the farm. Doreen was a motivated student and graduated from Sharbot Lake High School as valedictorian of her year in 1951. Her experiences caring for her grandmother after a stroke, and her father in his recovery from work accidents, informed her decision to study nursing at Kingston General Hospital, where she graduated in 1954.

In 1955, Doreen married Frank Slingerland, and they moved to Quebec City where they soon started a family. The Slingerland family often made trips to Plevna to spend time with the Gorrs. Experiences in Frontenac County continue to inspire their daughters’ love of the outdoors. Doreen was busy and courageous, keen to give her best to the adventures and misadventures encountered as the family’s tent trailer Slingalong and sometimes their two canoes, travelled all over Canada. She loved being a grandmother and was always ready to play in the sand by the lake, bake a cinnamon roll, or read a story.

Doreen was a dedicated nurse. She worked first in obstetrics at Jeffrey Hale Hospital in Quebec City. She later developed her knowledge of gerontological nursing and palliative care and worked in Long Term Care in Quebec and then in Ottawa. As a nurse she was capable, kind, decisive, reliable, and professional, applying her extensive knowledge of nursing, and her deep understanding of her patients’ needs.

Doreen lived a life devoted to her Christian faith and the Anglican Church. She had a deep belief in the power of prayer and had a great capacity for warmth and friendship. Throughout her life, Doreen was known by many as intuitive, caring, compassionate, and wise. She gave generously of her time and energy to many community endeavours. She and Frank travelled extensively throughout Canada and to many destinations around the globe.  Doreen loved music and she loved to sing. She was curious and enjoyed reading and learning throughout her life. She also had a delightful and clever sense of humour, even to her last days.

The family wishes to express its deepest gratitude to all the caregivers at Peter D. Clark Long Term Care Home in Ottawa, who provided excellent care, support, and patient friendship during the last four years. The Palliative Team members at PDC were exemplary in their expert and compassionate care.

Friends can visit with the family at the Garden Chapel of Tubman Funeral Homes at 3440 Richmond Road (between Baseline Road and Bayshore Drive) on Saturday, 14 February 2026, from 11am to 1pm. A service will be held in the chapel at 1pm, with a reception to follow.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Parkinson Canada, or to Alongside Hope (formerly the Primate’s World Relief & Development Fund). Donations, condolences, and tributes can be made through https://www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com/