Doreen Emma Hovander

February 06, 1935 - September 18, 2015

Doreen Emma Hovander

February 06, 1935 - September 18, 2015

Obituary

Doreen Emma Hovander (Lootens) was born on Feb 6th, 1935, in Sumas, WA to Emma and Constance Lootens, proud immigrants from Belgium. One of the highlights of Doreen’s childhood was her visit to Belgium where she learned to speak the Flemish language, and met many of her cousins and other family members.

Doreen was raised on a dairy farm in Everson, WA, along with her older siblings, Irene and Gus. The three children were always part of the daily activities on the farm. They kept busy milking the cows, feeding all the animals, and even driving the tractor at harvest time.
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It was her early years on the farm where Doreen established her lifelong love of animals, eventually rescuing several pets including her beloved dogs, Hollyberry, Beasley and Rudy.

While attending school at Nooksack Valley High School she played the snare drum in the school’s marching band, and particularly enjoyed her art classes. After graduating in 1953 she worked at the local grocery store where she met Warren Hovander.

Doreen and Warren married in 1955, and both held a variety of jobs before eventually purchasing a resort that included 15 cabins, a restaurant and a general store. Managing the resort kept them both very busy, but the rewards came with many customers who became lifelong friends. In later years Doreen kept busy as manager of a campground and RV park.

Many years of Doreen’s life were dedicated to raising her four sons, J.Cory, Jeff, Scott and Derek.

No matter how difficult times were, Doreen was always aware of those less well off, giving of her time and her last dollar to help others.

In her later years Doreen continued a full life spending time with her sons and grandchildren, caring for her pets, and, of course, continuing to help others.

Doreen is survived by her sister Irene Zwiers, her sons J. Cory (wife?), Jeffery (wife?), Scott (wife?), Derek (wife?), as well as her grandsons Ryan, Alec, Mitchell, Hayden, and granddaughters Jenna and Maysea. She is predeceased by her father Constance Lootens and her mother Emma, brothers Warren Hovander and Gus Lootens, as well as, her beloved dogs Holly Berry, Beasley, and Rudy.

Memorial Service

  • Date & Time: September 26, 2015 (12:00 AM)
  • Venue: Moles Farewell Tributes - Ferndale
  • Location: 2039 Main St Ferndale, WA 98248 - (Get Directions)

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4 responses to Doreen Emma Hovander

  1. Jim Malella says:

    Cory, Jeff, Scott, & Derek,
    Hey guys I’m so sorry to read about the passing of your mom.
    Doreen was a very nice lady who I will always remember. Things like Christmas dinner at your house.
    I’m sad that I missed the service to share in the celebration of her life.
    I hope we can get together sometime soon to catch up as life seems to be flying by.
    You’re all in my thoughts and I hope things are as good as they can be for you at this time.
    Take Care.

    Jim

  2. Thinking of you and your family today Jeff and Paula. Sorry to hear about your Mom.

  3. Jeff H says:

    Miss you already. Love you forever.

  4. I will never forget this wonderful lady and all the times I shared with her and her family at her family resort in Birch Bay , best time of my life , you could always count on Doreen , for her beautiful smile , kind way , and generous attitude . I hope her and my mom are having a fun time reminiscing in heaven .

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