December 3, 1952 – March 10, 2026
Doreen Anne Prystanski (née Belluz), aged 73, passed away quietly with her family close by at TBRHSC after a short fight with cancer. She was born on December 3, 1952, in Fort Frances, ON to Dan & Dora. The youngest of four siblings, she spent her early years in town before the family moved out to “The Farm,” where she stayed until she left home. Doreen went to school in La Vallee & Cornerbrook, finished high school in Fort Frances, and later attended university in Thunder Bay. It was there at Finnegan’s in 1971 that she met Nick, who would become her husband. Two years later on May 12, 1973, they got married at St. Mary’s Church in Fort Frances. In May of 2023 they marked their golden anniversary-50 years together-which is pretty impressive nowadays. They raised two sons, Trevor & Daniel, at their home on Franklin St.
Her work life started at St. Joe’s and then she spent many years at the Spence Clinic where she formed lasting bonds with coworkers and patients alike. Later on, she moved over to the Obstetrics Clinic and wrapped up her career there. Starting around 2000 for about two decades they enjoyed spending winters vacationing in Mesa, Arizona. What began as a few weeks visiting Nick’s sister Sandra grew into months spent there each February and March hanging out with their Silver Creek friends-Nick golfing most days while Doreen got hooked on thrifting. Back home she kept up this hobby too and would pick up her niece Patricia every Tuesday for their regular thrifting runs followed by lunch dates.
Doreen loved gardening-her yard could easily compete with any botanical garden around! She’d get an early jump planting seeds indoors even turning her sunroom into a mini greenhouse some years. Lately she took special care planting milkweed to help monarch butterflies bounce back; Trevor built a little enclosure so her cats wouldn’t disturb them as they transformed into monarchs (at least that’s what she liked to say). She enjoyed helping others grow their gardens by sharing tips or flowers from hers so everything could bloom beautifully too. When not outside you might find her doing puzzles, aquabics classes, knitting or working on cross-stitch projects. One big joy was the backyard pool-she always looked forward to summer so she could dip her toes in the water once again! Baking and cooking were other favorite pastimes; family holidays meant tables full of delicious food thanks to Doreen’s skills especially when it came to making buns everyone raved about-they’d always ask if any extras were left over and she’d cheerfully promise: “I’ll make more this week.” Her baking really stood out during Christmas time when sweet treats were plentiful-a talent now carried on by son Daniel.
After retiring officially in 2014 Doreen embraced being Gramma-known lovingly as Mrs Moose or Dolly-to Avery Joyce from day one when they met it was love right away. She often walked over to pick Avery up for daily strolls when she was little which eventually turned into outings at Vicker’s Park until Gramma got worn out! She taught Avery how to swim both in the family pool and during trips out to Churchill & the Complex nearby too. In recent years much of her time was spent cheering Avery on during softball games. Avery will miss those daily Face Time calls but knows Gramma will be rooting for her from above.
She leaves behind husband Nick; sons Trevor (Katie) & Daniel; granddaughters Avery & Abi; brothers Johnny (Bette), Jim (Glenda); sister-in-law Vuokko; brothers-in-law Dennis (Hope), Victor, Eugene (Elaine), Wayne (Zora), Mike; sister-in-law Sandra plus many nieces & nephews.
She was predeceased by parents Daniel & Dora; in-laws John & Olga; brother Daniel; sisters-in-law Janice & Maggie; brother-in-law Patrick as well as niece Kimberly & nephew Lawrence.
The family extends thanks to staff at TBRHSC ward 1A including Drs Ingves & Sellick along with special gratitude toward Dr Moorehouse & amp Nurse Daniella for their kindness during Mom’s final hours.
A celebration of life is planned for Friday March 27 from 1pm until 5pm at Da Vinci Centre. If preferred donations can be made instead of flowers to Dew Drop Inn or RFDA.
Condolences may be sent through www. nwfainc. com.
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