May 27, 1936 – April 3, 2018
A beautiful soul, bubbly and full of life, whose faith, laughter, and television spiritual messages touched thousands of lives across Manitoba and beyond.
"Her spirit could light up a room and her laugh could be heard from miles away."
Original book cover artwork published in 2002, featuring bright fuchsia peonies and lilies.
Louise in her element among bright spring flowers.
It is with great fondness and deep gratitude that we celebrate the life of Mrs. Louise Doerksen (nee Griggs). Louise passed away peacefully in her home in St. Vital on April 3, 2018, leaving behind an everlasting legacy of unwavering faith, radiant joy, and unconditional love.
Born on May 27, 1936, in Brandon, Manitoba, Louise grew up in the town of Griswold. She worked as a bank teller in Brandon before stepping into her calling to study at Bethel Bible Institute in Saskatoon. It was on the train to college that her husband of almost 60 years, Tony Doerksen, first spotted her before they officially met on campus. They were married in 1959 and together served in pastoral ministry across rural Manitoba before settling in Winnipeg to raise their family.
Later in life, Louise assisted her husband in producing television programs on CKY. Her warm, bubbly demeanor and deep love for God made her a natural on television. Through her broadcasted messages, she offered comfort, hope, scripture wisdom, and practical encouragement to viewers tuning in on CKY and the Faith Channel. Her heart’s desire was to get these writings out into the world so they could continue to touch and help others long into the future.
Louise was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. She leaves to mourn her loving family: husband Tony Doerksen; children Stan Doerksen (Carol), Ruth Bonneville, and joins her oldest daughter, Charlotte Coyston, in heaven who predeceased her in 1992. She was also blessed with four grandchildren: Charity Van Tine (Bart), Sarah Coyston, Celine Cramer (Graydon), Justin Bonneville, and great-granddaughter Penelope Rose McCaffrey.
Louise’s character was defined by how she spent time with others. She was always ready for a cup of tea, dinner out with family, or a spontaneous ride in the country. If she wasn’t home, you could usually find her at her favorite cafe at the end of her street, Jolly Mug, where staff knew her by name. She looked forward to yearly family trips down to Manhattan Beach Camp, where she gave her life to the Lord as a teenager.
Her love for children led her to serve as a Sunday School teacher for many years, which brought her immense joy. Spring was her favorite time of year, when she spent hours in her large vegetable garden watching her apple blossoms and bright fuchsia peonies grow.
In her 70s, Louise was diagnosed with congestive heart failure, which slowed her down but never dimmed her love for life and people. In 2016, at the age of 80, she underwent major heart surgery at Asper Institute. To the surprise of everyone, she recovered quickly, blessing her family with almost two more years of her loving presence.
As the matriarch and anchor of her family, Louise persevered through every challenge with unwavering faith, leaving behind a light that will shine forever through her Gems of Meditations.