Obituary of Blanche "Doreen" Estey

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Blanche Doreen Estey of Summerville, NB, on September 14, 2024 at the Saint John Regional Hospital.  Doreen was born on February 5, 1937, the only daughter of Leonard and Jennie (Rodgers) Thompson.     She was a person that would put aside her personal interest and focus on serving others in her roles as wife, daughter, mother, and friend.

Doreen is survived by her husband and soulmate Oscar Estey Jr., sons Keith Estey (Katherine) and Stuart Estey, daughter Elizabeth Carr (Mark), and “adopted” daughter Karen LeBlanc (Daniel), along with her cherished grandchildren Chloe, Hailey, Zachary, Talya, John, adopted grandchildren Jocelyn and Michael and her furry grand pup Tessie.   

Born and raised at Taylor Lake in Willow Grove, Doreen was a farm girl who learned how to run a household and feed her brothers and the others who worked around the family farm.  Wanting a career beyond the farm, when she graduated from Simonds High School, Doreen enrolled in the Saint John General Hospital School of Nursing in 1955, where she excelled in both theory and clinical practice.  Upon graduating in 1958 she was awarded a scholarship to study at McGill University, and it was off to Montreal on a yearlong adventure with her friend and fellow recipient Nellie Graves.

Doreen’s focus on service led her to Alberta where she continued her nursing career on a reservation in Hobbema, Alberta, but eventually she returned to Saint John, and Oscar.  Doreen settled down with Oscar to begin her family and continue her nursing career at the Saint John General Hospital, eventually retiring in 1994 from the Saint John Regional Hospital.

Doreen was a long serving and valued member of Full Gospel Assembly, and often could be found serving in the church, especially if it involved preparing food – something she was very particular about.  Doreen loved helping others and her life revolved around her family and friends.  She especially enjoyed getting together with her lifelong nursing friends, as well as spending time with her cherished grandchildren. 

Resting at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John, NB (506) 634-7424.  Visitation will be held at Brenan’s Funeral Home, 111 Paradise Row, Saint John on Thursday, September 26, 2024 from  2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, with the funeral service at Full Gospel Assembly, 34 Mt. Pleasant Avenue East, on Friday, September 27, 2024 at 11:00 am.  A reception will follow at the church. 

For those who wish, donations can be made to Operation Smile, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, or a charity of the donor’s choice. Online donations to be placed at www.BrenansFH.com.