Doreen Abugov

Obituary of Doreen Abugov

October 8, 1926 - Calgary, Alberta

March 23, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

 

It is with great sadness the family of Doreen Abugov, announces her passing at the age of 96, after a long and productive life.

 

Born in Calgary, the daughter of Edward and Mary Cohen, she was petite in stature, but large in spirit. President of her junior high school and editor of the school yearbook, she was active in sports – a hockey goaltender in her youth and later an avid tennis player, skier, and golfer. In 1948, she graduated from University of Toronto with a B.Sc. and married Jack Abugov. They lived in Montreal, where Doreen worked as a cancer research technician, while Jack completed his McGill engineering degree. Upon Jack’s graduation they returned to Calgary.

 

Doreen and Jack shared their passion for community work, and for travelling world as much as their time at their cabin in Kananaskis. In 1952, Doreen joined Hadassah-Wizo, an organization that would benefit immensely from her volunteer engagement for more than 60 years. She began fundraising by compiling several editions of a popular cookbook and by 1956 she was chapter president. She continued her support for the State of Israel and the Calgary Jewish community, helping start the women’s division of the United Jewish Appeal and chairing the women’s division of the State of Israel Bond Committee. She was also active in the Calgary Hebrew School, and served as President of the PTA. From 1976 to 1979, she was President of the Hadassah-Wizo Council and later sat on its national executive. Her significant contributions were recognized in 1979 as the Negev Dinner honouree for her many years of community leadership and service.

 

For much of her life Doreen found great enjoyment in playing bridge and was a voracious reader. Beyond her community contributions, perhaps Doreen’s greatest accomplishment was in being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was always there for her children and grandchildren, making a big effort to bring family together for birthday, anniversary, and Jewish holiday celebrations. The family is grateful that Doreen survived to become a great-grandmother when Jack Thompson, her husband’s namesake, was born in August 2022. A true dynamo throughout her life, Doreen is remembered by family and friends for her friendship, her kindness, her community leadership and for the tremendous example she set in all areas of life. The love she shared with husband Jack and her entire family, and the passion and effort she put forth for her entire community remains an inspiration for all.

 

She is survived by children Bruce (Alma) Abugov, Marilyn (Rich) Thompson, grandchildren: Ryan (Dina) Thompson, Erika Thompson (David Cowling), and Ella Abugov, and great-grandchild, Jack Thompson. Doreen was predeceased by loving husband Jack Abugov (2008), brother Arnold Cohen (2004) and son Murray (March 20, 2023).

 

The family would like to thank Dr. Palencia and the staff at Chinook Care Centre for their compassionate care and the kindness they extended to Doreen over the past few years.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Calgary Hadassah-Wizo (info@calgary.chw.ca) or Jewish Family Service Calgary (info@jfsc.org).

 

Funeral Arrangements: Services will be held on Monday March 27 at 11 am at the Beth Tzedec Synagogue followed by internment at the Erlton Jewish Cemetery, with reception to follow at the Carriage House Hotel.

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