Obituary of Jeannette Irene Dobrenski

Dobrenski, Jeannette – It is with sorrowful hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Jeannette Dobrenski, (nee McMillan), who was ushered into the presence of her heavenly Father on Tuesday May 18, surrounded by loved ones.

Beloved wife and best friend of husband Ken Dobrenski, cherished mother of Rachel (Tim) Siemens, Yvonne (Jesse) Friskey and Nathan (Melanie) Schroeder, loving Nana to Kate, Janelle, Braedan, William, Isaak, Abby, Jace and Lucas, loving step-mother to Shari (Aaron Tanaka) Turpin, (Natalee and Nicolas), loving sister to Shirley (Bill) Vallis, Kevin (Krista) McMillan and Wayne (Kelly) McMillan, and wonderful aunt to many nieces and nephews. Sister-in-law to Jim and Marie Colclough, Bob and Elaine Dobrenski, Mike and Kathy Dobrenski and Rick and Carolyn Palframan. Jeanette was predeceased by her parents Jack and Joyce McMillan, (2017 and 2016) and brother Dan (Colombe Simard), (1993).

Jeannette was born in Grimsby on February 5, 1954 and was a life-long resident of the Campden, Beamsville and Vineland area.  She worked for 31 years as a Health Care Aide serving seniors at Revera Garden City Manor, (Bestview Lodge, Metro Lodge), before retiring from work in 2007, following her first aneurysm.

Family connections were everything to her and she made everyone feel special with the time she gave them.  She was an inspiration to all, sharing her love, support, wisdom and kindness in many ways. Her grandchildren are honoured to have had a Nana who created many great memories they will cherish forever.

Jeannette was a fun-loving, friendly person, with an infectious laugh and great sense of humour. 

Jeannette’s faith was expressed through the giving of her time to support her church and community, spending countless hours volunteering at the Vineland Missionary Church sewing clothes for the less fortunate in other countries and helping at Trek.  She was always attentive to the needs of her family, praying for them and supporting them in any way she could, placing the needs of others above her own.

Following an early retirement, Jeannette and Ken enjoyed many day and short trips to Watkins Glen, Upper State New York and across Canada, visiting life-long friends, antiquing and riding their matching “His and Hers” Honda 750 Shadows.  Her determination set a high bar for all of us.  Following her first aneurysm, she was focused on relearning to walk, talk and drive and ride her motorcycle and achieved this masterfully.

The news of her second aneurysm last week came as a shock to us all.  We were honoured to spend so much time with her in the hospital over the past week, holding her hands, speaking softly to her, playing her favorite hymns and worship songs.  We extend our deepest gratitude to the loving care provided by the staff at Hamilton General and West Lincoln Memorial.

Thank you to the many individuals and organizations who have supported us through this very sorrowful time.  Your kind words, loving gestures, thoughts and prayers have been most appreciated.

Cremation has already taken place as per Jeannette’s wishes and a celebration of Jeannette’s life will be planned for a later date.

“In His word, I find the power to choose obedience over instant relief for unpleasant emotions, faith over doubt, hope over despair.”  These are Jeannette’s own words taken from her memoirs and shaped the manner in which she shared and expressed her joy with others.