February 21, 2026: With deep sadness, we share the peaceful passing of our fellow Rotarian, Doreen Ann Ide (née Fisher), on Tuesday, February 10, at the age of 86. A cherished member of the Rotary Club of West Ottawa since 1996, Doreen exemplified Service Above Self and served her Club with dedication, including as a member of the 60th Anniversary Committee.
Doreen passed away at home, surrounded by her beloved husband of 65 years, Peter, and her three daughters: Robin, Kari (Beggs), and Christine (Boehm). She was a proud and devoted “Nana” to five grandchildren: Alex and Nicole Beggs, and Michelle, Andrew, and Julia Farrier. She was predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Mary (Fisher and Boag), and her sister, Cathy Aubel (Herbert). She is lovingly remembered by her brother, Douglas Fisher; her sister-in-law, Dale; her nieces Laura and Sarah; her nephew Dean; and her sons-in-law, Bruce Beggs and Benjamin Boehm.
Doreen’s academic journey included Lindsay Collegiate Institute, the University of Toronto (Guelph Campus), and the Ontario College of Education, where she earned her Teaching Certificate in Mathematics, History, and English. She began her teaching career at Streetsville High School.
After marrying Peter in 1961, the couple lived in Brampton, Guelph, and England before settling in Sackville, New Brunswick, in 1970. Doreen devoted herself to raising her family and furthering her education at Mount Allison University. She also became actively involved with the Planned Parenthood Association of New Brunswick and later served as its President.
In 1978, the family moved to Ottawa, where Doreen joined the Export Development Corporation (EDC) and advanced to the role of Loans Services Manager, a position that included international travel. In the early 1990s, she purchased Kinmount Lumber from her father and successfully guided the business through Ontario’s recession years while continuing her work at EDC.
Though accomplished professionally, Doreen’s greatest joy was her family. She embraced life fully and beautifully. A talented classical pianist, she enjoyed music from Chopin to Dolly Parton and especially loved the Marsalis family. She enjoyed travel, friendship, beautiful clothing, and jewelry. As a member of the self-named “Knitting Goddesses,” she created unique shawls, and as a passionate amateur silversmith, she crafted cherished jewelry for family and friends.
Within Rotary, Doreen was a steady and valued presence. Since joining the Rotary Club of West Ottawa in 1996, she supported many initiatives and took pride in preserving the history of our Club through her service on the 60th Anniversary Book Committee.
Family and friends are invited to visit at Capital Funeral Home & Cemetery, 3700 Prince of Wales Drive, Ottawa, on Saturday, March 14, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., for a celebration of Doreen’s life. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cornerstone Housing for Women.
We are profoundly grateful to have shared our lives with Doreen. She will be deeply missed and warmly remembered.