Viola M Doell
August 1, 1923 - January 20, 2026
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Viola M. Doell (nee Heim) at the River East Personal Care Home in Winnipeg.
Viola was born and raised in Winkler, baptized and confirmed in the Trinity Lutheran Church and remained a faithful member for her entire life. She married George Doell in 1941, and then spent several years in Vancouver and Victoria while George was in the forces, returning to Winkler after the war in order to raise a family. She worked in several seasonal jobs over the years and then in 1963, she received an opportunity to work with special needs children. She continued teaching until she retired in 1983.
After her well-deserved retirement, Viola was free to do some traveling. There were winter trips to Texas, Arizona and California, and a trip to Disney World with her grandson was a special treat for her. There were many trips to Grand Forks to load up on bargains, and camping trips to various destinations. Viola remained active until late in life and enjoyed riding her bicycle until she was 85 years old. Bingo at the Winkler Senior Center was also a favorite pastime for her.
Viola’s natural musical ability was nurtured at an early age by her sister Elsie. After her sister left home, Viola forged ahead on her own, learning to read music, but also discovering she could play by ear. At one time, she had a large collection of songs she could play by memory. Her enjoyment of this gift stayed with her for her lifetime and in her 101st year she was still able to play a few of her favorite songs and hymns. She was the organist at Trinity Lutheran Church for over 30 years.
Viola leaves us with a legacy of hard work and dedication, sacrifice and loyalty, kindness and patience, forgiveness and generosity. Her faith was of utmost importance to her. She liked to say there was some good in everyone and treated people accordingly. She was proud of her family and was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Viola was predeceased in 2002 by her husband, George, and in 2019 by her daughter, Sharon. Also her parents, Alexander and Nora Heim, sisters Elsie Ralph, Doris (Martel) Pokrant, Beatrice Crozman, Nan Millar, and her brother Alvin.
She is survived by her daughter Colleen (Bob), grandson Chris (Maegan), great- grandchildren Chloe and Bennett, sister-in-law Marie, and many nieces and nephews.
The family thanks Pastor Klages for his visitations, the attentive staff and home care workers at Lions Court in Winkler, and the wonderful staff at the River East Personal Care Home where Viola had resided since July, 2020.
Cremation has taken place and a private ash interment will take place at a later date.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7
August 1, 1923 - January 20, 2026
It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Viola M. Doell (nee Heim) at the River East Personal Care Home in Winnipeg.
Viola was born and raised in Winkler, baptized and confirmed in the Trinity Lutheran Church and remained a faithful member for her entire life. She married George Doell in 1941, and then spent several years in Vancouver and Victoria while George was in the forces, returning to Winkler after the war in order to raise a family. She worked in several seasonal jobs over the years and then in 1963, she received an opportunity to work with special needs children. She continued teaching until she retired in 1983.
After her well-deserved retirement, Viola was free to do some traveling. There were winter trips to Texas, Arizona and California, and a trip to Disney World with her grandson was a special treat for her. There were many trips to Grand Forks to load up on bargains, and camping trips to various destinations. Viola remained active until late in life and enjoyed riding her bicycle until she was 85 years old. Bingo at the Winkler Senior Center was also a favorite pastime for her.
Viola’s natural musical ability was nurtured at an early age by her sister Elsie. After her sister left home, Viola forged ahead on her own, learning to read music, but also discovering she could play by ear. At one time, she had a large collection of songs she could play by memory. Her enjoyment of this gift stayed with her for her lifetime and in her 101st year she was still able to play a few of her favorite songs and hymns. She was the organist at Trinity Lutheran Church for over 30 years.
Viola leaves us with a legacy of hard work and dedication, sacrifice and loyalty, kindness and patience, forgiveness and generosity. Her faith was of utmost importance to her. She liked to say there was some good in everyone and treated people accordingly. She was proud of her family and was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Viola was predeceased in 2002 by her husband, George, and in 2019 by her daughter, Sharon. Also her parents, Alexander and Nora Heim, sisters Elsie Ralph, Doris (Martel) Pokrant, Beatrice Crozman, Nan Millar, and her brother Alvin.
She is survived by her daughter Colleen (Bob), grandson Chris (Maegan), great- grandchildren Chloe and Bennett, sister-in-law Marie, and many nieces and nephews.
The family thanks Pastor Klages for his visitations, the attentive staff and home care workers at Lions Court in Winkler, and the wonderful staff at the River East Personal Care Home where Viola had resided since July, 2020.
Cremation has taken place and a private ash interment will take place at a later date.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7