December 3, 1952 – March 10, 2026
Doreen Anne Prystanski (née Belluz), who was 73 years old, passed away peacefully at TBRHSC with her family around her after a short battle with cancer. She was born to Dan and Dora on December 3, 1952, in Fort Frances, ON. As the youngest of four siblings, she spent part of her childhood in town before the family moved out to “The Farm,” where she lived until leaving home. Doreen attended school in La Vallee and Cornerbrook, went to high school in Fort Frances, and studied at university in Thunder Bay. It was there that she met Nick at Finnegan’s in 1971. They got married two years later on May 12, 1973, at St. Mary’s Church in Fort Frances. In May of 2023, they celebrated their remarkable milestone of 50 years together while raising their two sons, Trevor and Daniel, at their home on Franklin St.
Doreen began her career at St. Joe’s and then spent many years working at the Spence Clinic where she formed strong friendships with both coworkers and patients alike. She later transitioned to the Obstetrics Clinic where she finished her career. Starting in the year 2000, they enjoyed a two-decade tradition of vacationing in Mesa, Arizona. Initially visiting Nick’s sister Sandra for a few weeks turned into spending all of February and March there as they forged lasting connections with their Silver Creek friends; Nick enjoyed golfing while Doreen discovered her love for thrifting. Her thrifting adventures continued back home as well; every Tuesday she would pick up her niece Patricia for their regular thrift outings combined with lunch dates.
Doreen had a passion for gardening that could rival any botanical garden’s beauty. She started planting seeds early each season and even transformed her sunroom into an indoor greenhouse! Recently she took up planting milkweed to help monarch butterflies thrive; Trevor built an enclosure so that her cats could enjoy watching them transform into beautiful butterflies too. She found joy in offering advice or flowers to others so they could also create stunning gardens. During her free time, she loved puzzles, aquabics, knitting, and cross-stitching. One of her favorite investments was the backyard pool; summer brought great excitement as she’d dip her toes into the water again! A talented baker and cook too-family holidays featured amazing food spreads showcasing her impressive bun-making skills that always left people asking if there were more because she’d say: “I’ll make more this week.” Her baking during Christmas was especially beloved among family members who had a sweet tooth; this is a talent that has been carried on by her son Daniel.
In 2014 Doreen retired officially and embraced being Gramma to Avery Joyce-also affectionately known as Mrs. Moose or Dolly! From the moment Avery came along it was love at first sight for Doreen; she’d walk over daily just to take Avery out for walks when she was small. As Avery grew older these outings evolved into fun trips to Vicker’s Park until Gramma needed rest! She proudly taught Avery how to swim not only in their pool but also during visits to Churchill & the Complex swimming pools too! The last couple of years saw Gramma cheering on Avery during softball games from the sidelines-all those daily Face Time chats will surely be missed but Avery knows Gramma will be cheering from above.
Doreen leaves behind Nick (her husband), sons Trevor (Katie) & Daniel alongside granddaughters Avery & Abi plus brothers Johnny (Bette) & Jim (Glenda), sister-in-law Vuokko along with several brothers-in-law Dennis (Hope), Victor & Eugene (Elaine), Wayne (Zora), Mike-and sister-in-law Sandra-with numerous nieces & nephews.
She is predeceased by parents Dan & Dora along with John & Olga (in-laws), brother Daniel plus sisters-in-law Janice & Maggie as well as brother-in-law Patrick along with niece Kimberly and nephew Lawrence.
Thanks go out to TBRHSC staff on unit 1A including Drs Ingves & Sellick-special thanks also goes towards Dr Moorehouse & Nurse Daniella who provided incredible care during Mom’s final moments.
A celebration honoring Doreen’s life will take place on Friday March 27 from 1pm till 5pm at Da Vinci Centre-if you wish instead of sending flowers please consider donating toward Dew Drop Inn or RFDA which would mean so much!
You can send condolences via www. nwfainc. com.
