KAPALA, Doreen Joy – October 28/1923 to August 14/2023. It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Doreen Joy Kapala in her 100th year with family by her side at Landmark Village, Sarnia, ON. Survived by her sons Ross (Nancy), Jim (Linda), Michael (Linda) and Edward (Rosalind), thirteen grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren. Predeceased by her parents Roy and Rhoda Keable, her late husband William (2006), her brothers Peter and Godfrey, sister Heather, youngest son Ronald (2018) and grandson Ryan (2011). She was born in England and after graduating from a private high school, served three and half years as a sawyer in the Timber Corps, a branch of the Women’s Land Army during WWII. During the war she met William Kapala serving in the Canadian army. They were married before he shipped over to Europe at which time, she immigrated to Canada to live with his parents. After the war ended, he joined her back in Canada to live in Sarnia. After a few years they moved to Wyoming, ON where they raised their five sons. Doreen was a Wyoming Legion member, a dedicated Cub Scout leader and later worked in the Lambton County Library system. After retirement in 1972, they moved to Gillies Lake, ON in the Bruce Peninsula where she was a tireless gardener, voracious reader and had her own sweater knitting business. In 2004 they moved to Lion’s Head in the Bruce Peninsula where she continued her love of gardening until the age of 95, at which time she returned to Sarnia to live at Fairwinds Lodge. She continued to knit for charity, played cards, finished numerous 1000-piece puzzles and completed many Sudoku books (diabolical only) for enjoyment. Following the fire at Fairwinds in 2023, she relocated to Landmark Village at Sarnia. We wish to thank the staff at both locations for their kindness and compassion with special thanks to Tina, Callie, Kathy, Louise and Marianne of Fairwinds Lodge. May her spirit be found dancing with her walker to ABBA’s Dancing Queen and possibly checking the scores of her beloved Blue Jays ball games. She was an amazing mother and tireless worker. She will be missed by her family and many of her new friends at Fairwinds Lodge and Landmark Village. Cremation has taken place and a private family celebration of life will take place at a later date. Sympathy may be expressed through donations to the Arthritis Society Canada or the charity of your choice (cheques only at the funeral home, please). Arrangements entrusted to Smith Funeral Home, 1576 London Line, Sarnia.
