Obituary of Doreen Margaret Shouldice-Nep

September 17, 1925 - Edmonton, Alberta

March 15, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Doreen Margaret Shouldice (nee Carver) of Calgary, AB, peacefully passed away on Friday, March 15, 2024, at the age of 98.

Doreen was born in Edmonton, AB, on September 17, 1925, to Nola Marie (nee Hannan) and James Carver Jr. She was the oldest of three children, and loved her younger siblings, Doris and Bill. She met and married her love, James Robert Shouldice (d.1981), in Calgary, AB, on November 16, 1946, where they raised their three sons: Rick, Roy, and Cameron.

She was an early flying enthusiast and soloed in a Piper Cub at the age of 20. She was a capable swimmer, and swam across Sylvan Lake, leading the challenge for all young swimmers along Blissful Beach. She loved synchronized swimming and participated in water aerobics well into her 80s. Always the trend-setter, Doreen had a 1966 Ford Mustang, which she enjoyed driving and maintained in pristine condition.

Doreen and her second husband, Gerald Nep (d.2009), moved to a lovely oceanfront home in Saltair, BC, where they joined the Ladysmith Yacht club with Doreen captaining her 26-foot C&C sailboat "Blueberry Muffin". They enjoyed collecting antiques and art, much of which was donated to the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, and Hand of Man Museum in Maple Bay, BC. With an eye for emerging artists, Doreen and Gerry supported and promoted local talent. Doreen was artistic and loved to paint and sculpt.

Always the fashionable and gracious hostess, Doreen delighted in organizing parties and events. She loved people, was great at putting people at ease, always interested in their stories, and left a lasting impact on all who knew her. Using these talents, she successfully worked in the jewelry industry for many years. Doreen loved her community of Saltair and attended Chemainus United Church.

Doreen is survived by her brother, Bill Carver (Sheilagh), her sons, Rick (Marty), Roy (Janine), and Cameron (Vanessa Davidson); nine grandchildren, Warren (Kate MacComb), Jason (Ellen McLeod), Kenton (Susan Lam), Jesse (Jenny Steele), Nolan, Nathan (Jillian Christensen), Kristoffer (Nora Wahlund), Devon Jon (Marcia Kiewiet), Kelsey (Will Staples); and ten great-grandchildren, Thea, Violet, Petra, Steele, Easton, Peyton, Waylon, Stella, Henry, and Maisie. She was predeceased by her parents, and sister Doris Jewitt (d.2023).

Doreen moved back to Calgary in May 2019, and resided at the Journey Club, where she made many new friends. The family wishes to acknowledge the loving care she received from caregivers. Doreen supported many charities, of which her favourite was Operation Smile.

She was known for her adventurous spirit and love for all things new and interesting. Doreen was a pioneer in her own right, fearlessly taking to the skies, the ski hills, and the ocean waves, embracing the freedom and thrill. She will be deeply missed by her loved ones and fondly remembered for her zest for life and her unwavering courage. May she soar high in the heavens, forever flying among the clouds.

The family will be holding a private celebration at a later date.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Doreen’s family here.

In living memory of Doreen Nep, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, Ab t2x 3j3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.