Doreen Valerie Keir Wilson's life journey ended peacefully at home with family on October 10th at the age of 88.   

   Doreen's journey began in the small village of Gartcosh Scotland where she was born at the family home to John and Isabella (Belle) Wright.  Doreen joined her 1 yr old brother Ian into the family and 7 years later another brother, Roderick (Rod) Wright, completed the family.  Childhood soon became interrupted for the three siblings when their mother Belle became ill.  The next years before and after their mothers passing were difficult as Doreen, Ian, and Rod were often separated living with caring aunts and uncles in Dundee.   

   Soon an epic journey to a new and wonderful life would begin for Doreen.  While their older brother Ian remained in Scotland, in March of 1951 Doreen(14) and Rod(7) traveled to America to live with their mother's gracious and sweet sister Nellie and her husband Arthur Melville in Fresno California.  Doreen and Rod traveled by train from Dundee Scotland to Southampton England where they boarded the RMS Queen Mary for a crossing to New York City.  In what turned out to be one of the roughest crossings in Queen Mary history, Doreen and Rod arrived in New York, "One of the most memorable aspects of the journey was being awakened early on the morning of our arrival to view the Statue of Liberty as we sailed past.  Soon after were were in the immigration line at Ellis Island".  A cross country train trip from New York to California ensued.   

   Doreen settled in to life in Fresno California where she and Rod were fortunate to have beloved cousins Anne Melville (Herogian) and Peggy Melville (Guyett) along with new friends to show them the ropes of life in America.  Doreen graduated from Fresno High School and in 1953 met the love of her life, Donn Wilson, after being introduced by mutual friends. After a lengthy courtship, interrupted by Donn's service in the Marine Corp, they were Married on August 17th, 1957 in Carmel, CA. Family life began quickly as Doreen's brother Rod came to live with them during his high school years followed by the birth of her two boys Scot and Kyle.   

   Doreen and family lived in Tulare CA, Madera CA, Crescent City CA, Valley Springs CA, and Penn Valley CA during Donn's career.  During this time Doreen volunteered in hospitals and elementary schools while raising her boys.   

   In 2006 Doreen and Donn moved to Anacortes Washington to be close to their children and grandchildren. The years that followed were filled with family gatherings, boating, attending the school and sporting events of her grandchildren, travel, and baking her famous Scottish Shortbread.  Doreen was fierce in her love for her family, her strong convictions on how things should be done, and her belief to always keep things because, "you never know when you might need it."  Throughout her life Doreen was also fulfilled with her love for plants and gardening, dogs and cats, and the wildlife that found their way into her yard.  In her final weeks, Doreen was reflective and grateful for what a wonderful life she had with Donn filled with the love of family and close friends.   

   Doreen was proceeded in death by her husband of 65 years  Donn Wilson  and her brother Ian Wright.  Doreen is survived by: her sons Scot (Jennifer), Kyle (Kim), both of Anacortes; grandchildren: Mackenzie Wilson (John) of Ft Walton Beach FL, Connor Wilson of Anacortes WA, Natalie Wilson of Cambridge MA, Andrew Wilson of Anacortes WA, brother Roderick Wright of Livermore CA, and cousin Anne Herogian of Fresno CA.   

   At Doreen's request no service is planned. Remembrances in Doreen's name may be made to the  Humane Society of Skagit Valley  or  Hospice of the Northwest    

   To share memories of Doreen and to check for updates, please bookmark this direct link:  https://www.evanschapel.com/obituary/doreen-wilson     .