1940-2022
Dorelle Corrine Brooks (nee Larson) passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family in her St. Albert home on May 31, 2022. She leaves her husband Richard Brooks along with many loving family members to remember her fondly: her children Charmaine Brooks (Terry Korte), Colin Brooks (Sukan Nip), grandchildren Kate, Jack and Alivia, as well as siblings Carmen (Dean) Norrish, Allana (Dan) Rawlings, Larry (Angelina) Larson, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Dorelle was predeceased by her parents, Ernie and Bernice Larson (nee Derdahl).
Dorelle was born in Outlook, SK in 1940. She spent her formative years between the family farm north of Outlook and occasional winters in Vancouver, BC. She attended school in Outlook before becoming a registered nurse through St. Paul’s School of Nursing in Saskatoon. She practiced nursing in Saskatoon, Oakville, ON, Nyack, NY and Medicine Hat, AB. Her specialty and passion was pediatric nursing. She formed deep connections with the children in her care and their parents. Some of the fondest memories of her professional career were of those with the children she was able to connect with deeply. After retiring from nursing, she loved to spend time in nature and enjoy family time, especially with her grandchildren Kate, Jack and Alivia. In all things, she lived a life inspired by her Christian faith.
She met her husband Richard in Oakville, ON in 1962 - the start of their 60 year adventure together. Their journey touched down in Oakville, New York, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, and St. Albert. The two of them supported each other through school, pursued their respective teaching and nursing careers, raised a family, dabbled in business pursuits, and truly enjoyed life. They especially enjoyed their summers houseboating on Lake Diefenbaker at Elbow marina where they golfed, toured around the lake and stargazed on the top of the boat. No matter where she went, Dorelle made friends and would strike up a conversation with anyone she would meet. She was naturally curious and cared deeply about making personal connections.
Expressions of condolences or fond memories of Dorelle can be shared here: https://www.dignitymemorial.com/en-ca/obituaries/fort-saskatchewan-ab/dorelle-brooks-10777742.
Memorials donations on Dorelle’s behalf can be made to her favourite charity - Nature Conservancy Canada, https://www.natureconservancy.ca/en/
