Doreen Freeman
Jan 19,1933 – October 21, 2020
Peacefully at Bridgepoint Health after a lengthy struggle with cancer.
Doreen was born in London, England and trained at Wig Creations as a theatrical wigmaker. She worked at the National Theatre with clients including Vivien Leigh and Laurence Olivier. After marrying a Canadian, Laurie Freeman, she built a stellar career at the Stratford and Shaw Festivals, making wigs for Maggie Smith, Martha Henry, and large cast of other company actors. She worked at Canadian Stage in Toronto as well as at many other theatres across Canada. Doreen and Laurie worked on CATS for 5 years, 2 of them touring Canada.
In retirement Doreen and Laurie tended their Cabbagetown garden and volunteered at Riverdale Farm.
Doreen was predeceased by Laurie (in 2016). She is survived by her dear brother George Rocknean and her beloved sister-in-law Maureen (Mo), their three children Kim, Laura and Steve and her cherished great-nieces and nephews (all in the UK), sister-in-law Gaye Lade (Mark) and their family, and brother-in-law Robin Freeman (Sharon) and family.
She will be missed by her many neighbours and friends. Many thanks to Bridgepoint for their excellent and compassionate care.
If you wish, donations in Doreen’s name can be made to the charity of your choice.
When possible (pending pandemic) a Celebration of Doreen’s life will take place in 2021. If you would like to be notified please send email address to doreenmemorial@gmail.com.
Beth Kaplan
I remember Laurie and Doreen so well from Cabbagetown events and from the Farm committee. They were kind, helpful neighbours, a big part of the neighbourhood. Doreen was always beautiful, lively, and sparkling. She will be missed.
SUSAN BENSON
I worked with Doreen on many productions. She was lovely to work with and highly skilled. You would always know when you worked with her that she would capture what you, the designer, wanted with no real ego. I have missed not having contact for so many years and I am very sorry to hear of her going. My condolences to the family
Biddy Robinson
I will miss seeing the white hat . when we rmet for lunch downtown ,or at Riverdale Farm . Doreen was a strong character,who, missed her soulmate Laurie so much. I will miss her spirit and the laughs we shared . Old friend . Biddy
Marzena Pejlak
Hello we just purchased Doreen’s house this evening in Cabbagetown. While signing alm the shebang of documents I have noticed her name…may she rest in heavily peace. We will make sure we take a good care of the house and the property…with tender and loving care. We will bring the house to the comfy standard and there is a solid plan of hanging Doreen’s picture nicely framed in the central part 9f the house.
Marzena and Peter, New owners of 144 Amelia.❤