Obituary of Doreen Pasternack

Heaven gained an Angel 

Glenn & family, are deeply saddened to share the news of his Mom, Anita “Doreen” Pasternack (LeBlanc), born in Dalhousie, NB, peacefully passed away of cancer, at the age of 84, on Thursday, January 26th, 2023 at Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice (Kanata), surrounded by her loving family & friends. Doreen is now at peace.

Doreen is survived by her beloved son, Glenn, her “Golden Child” and Melanie Carley. Deeply proud Gram to her two grandchildren, Dior Abilene & Dawson Cole Carley. Loving Mother to Debbie Santistevan (Pasternack) & her sons Matthew & Spencer Labady. Doreen is survived by her brother Donald (Gaetanne) Leblanc. Doreen is predeceased by her husband Jack Pasternack.

Doreen spent her career in Human Resources, from Domtar (Montreal) to Ottawa in the early days of Computing Devices Canada (CDC) to General Dynamics family & team, until her retirement, she loved working with others to better their careers, families & opportunities. Doreen & Jack spent many years volunteering and giving back with the Lions & Lioness Club in Barrhaven. She shared just recently, that traditionally the Lions Club would not allow the Lioness’s … well, the Lioness’s soon changed that! They dedicated years as Foster Parents with the CAS, fostering over 12 Foster children who received their welcoming love & safe family environment. Doreen continued to provide her love to Zeb LeBlanc throughout all her years. They opened their home to many of Glenn’s fellow travelling & touring musicians during his band days. Even letting them hold practices in her basement Doreen was a loving caregiver to her own family & so many friends, ensuring their care & her support as they faced their own challenges with their health. She attended St. Paul’s Anglican Church, (Father Stephen) deeply cherished her large circle of friends, she deeply adored & had many laughs with her “BFF” Becky & Clyde Crane, with Clyde guiding her with so many prayers over their years. Doreen was the BEST listener, so supportive & she would speak the truth, not give you the answer you wanted to hear. She had her natural way of having others open up & helping them. Her soul was caring & super supportive. She shared her strong moral, and ethical values, to be truthful, to always support family, to always put kindness first & do the right thing. Her legacy will forever be respected, admired & continued by her family & friends.

Our family is so grateful to the following care providers that guided us to ensure Doreen’s wishes & last days here at home with us. Deepest Thank You to Dr. Jennings, Community Palliative Medicine Assoc (CPMA) for her guidance, support & dedication to Doreen, her wishes & our family during such a difficult time; Ruddy Shenkman Hospice, Nurse Carolyn, the Volunteers & team for the going above and beyond to ensure her peace & dignity; Bayshore Home Health Care, the integrated team of care coordinators, nurses & PSW for their tireless dedication of providing the resources for her home-care; Ottawa & Ontario Paramedics Palliative Care Team & Ontario Medical Supplies Team. You are all true angels!

Mom, Gram, Doreen ... our home feels a little emptier without you, however, we know you will always be with us & we will always make you proud. We love you, always & forever. “Hugs” xo

A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. at Highland Park Chapel, 2037 McGee Side Road, Carp. No flowers please (Doreen was allergic to Lilies) For those who are able & want to send wishes or donations, please consider a Hospice, as it is all charity based Ruddy-Shenkman Hospice  or St. Paul's Anglican Church  For those who can not join the service in person, you are invited to join virtually using the SERVICE LINK