Doris Sweeney Memorial Scholarship

Doris Sweeney lived a life defined by integrity, generosity, and an unshakable commitment to people and place. She grew up in the bush of Northern Ontario, where she developed an early and lasting appreciation for the natural world. As a teenager, she worked as a fishing and hunting guide, and later trained as a licensed nurse, working in Toronto and Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec. A lifelong learner and self-taught naturalist, Doris brought curiosity and care to everything she did, sharing her knowledge generously and viewing education as something rooted in experience. She often credited the strong values instilled by her grandparents—courage, hard work, and service to others—as formative influences throughout her life. Known for her plainspoken honesty and willingness to speak her mind, Doris possessed a rare and deeply respected quality that earned both admiration and trust.

After moving to Castlegar in 1960 with her husband Wilf and their three young sons, Doris became a quiet but influential leader in the community. She organized and led a Girl Guide Ranger group for teenage girls, creating opportunities that fostered confidence, cooperation, and independence. Alongside her husband, she also devoted many years to volunteer leadership through Rotary, serving as a chaperone to international exchange students. Her commitment to service extended to roles with the Castlegar Hospital Auxiliary and the Castlegar Heritage Society. As a mother and grandmother, Doris brought the same values of integrity, curiosity, and care into her family life. Whether mentoring youth, supporting community institutions, or standing firmly by her principles, Doris led by example—combining high standards with warmth, humour, and compassion—and is remembered as someone who made her community stronger and more humane.