Doreen May Youngs
1928-2022
Doreen May Youngs (Crookes) was one of a second set of identical twins born to her
parents. Doreen and her twin sister, Eileen were born prematurely in December in the small town of Gray, Saskatchewan. The fact that these twins survived is a testament to their mother’s nursing skills. This tiny twin girl lived to the age of 93.
Doreen completed her high school years in Gray, then moved to Calgary to be with her sister, Eileen. When Eileen moved to Edmonton to attend the University of Alberta, Doreen joined her there. In Edmonton, Doreen found a job working as a secretary in the Highways Department of the Government of Alberta. It was there that she met a
handsome young surveyor who would become her partner for life.
Doreen and Walton were married in Edmonton in 1953. Their first daughter Julia was born in 1955, followed by another daughter Laurie, in 1956. Walton had a successful
career with the Government of Alberta, and following his retirement from the Government, they were able to travel all around the world through Walton’s role with FIG, the International Federation of Surveyors. Doreen enjoyed these travels,
particularly the forging of new friendships. She was particularly fond of Finland and its people.
Doreen had many interests but her great passion was music. She sang in church choirs and was a member of the Richard Eaton Singers. She loved opera and was a season ticket holder of Edmonton Opera for many years. Her family learned to be quiet on Saturdays during the Metropolitan Opera Broadcast on the radio so she could listen uninterrupted.
Doreen was always interested in the world around her, and in socializing with family and friends. After her daughters graduated from high school and began post secondary
studies, Doreen decided that this was something she wanted to pursue herself.
She graduated from the U of A in 1978 at the age of 50, much to the pride of her family. Doreen was devoted to her husband and her daughters. She loved her grandchildren and she and Walton were supportive and engaged in their grandchildren’s lives.
Doreen was predeceased by Walton who passed away in 2021, and by her older sisters Constance, June, and Eileen. She is survived by her daughters Julia (Robert), and Laurie (William), and by six grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Doreen will be missed greatly by her family and friends.
There will be a private Celebration of Life, where Doreen will rest with Walton, together forever.
We would like to extend our sympathy to the family. Doreen was a gracious and welcoming hostess in all the years that we knew her. We enjoyed many pleasant visits with Wally and Doreen and miss them greatly.
Julia and family – my condolences on the passing of your mother.
I had the privilege of knowing both of your parents for over 50 years and particularly enjoyed travelling with them overseas at FIG conferences.
My name is Marjorie Steve when I was younger my name was Lewis I grew up in Gray, Sask, with the Crooks family all of them. There are not too many of us left but I am pleased your Mom had such a good Life . Your Grandparents were such good people.