Doreen Esther (Creighton) Nester

Doreen Nester was born April1 1934, the eldest of 4 children born to Hugh and Clara Creighton; brothers Larry and Danny; and sister Kathleen Patricia (aka Pat) rounded out the family.

Hugh Creighton was a pastor who served congregations in Withrow, Medicine Hat, Yorkton, Veteran, Craigmyle, Penticton and was featured at camps and revival meetings in numerous other communities.

Clara Creighton was a very gifted musician capable and competent on numerous instruments. She was also a talented seamstress which served the family well.

Doreen experienced a happy childhood in a family filled with love. Though they were far from wealthy they never went hungry and thanks to her mother’s abilities as a seamstress, were always well dressed. Doreen and her siblings were very close and throughout her life, that bond was celebrated and cultivated. Thanksgiving celebrations at the ranch with all the family were gala events which no one ever missed.

The church and her Christian faith were always at the core of who she was and what she did. She had a strong sense of what was right and what was wrong and was an example of what she believed.

Doreen left home at 17 to pursue her dream of becoming a teacher. She graduated with a certificate of teaching and went in search of a teaching position. Her first position, at age 19, was in the community of Cessford, Alberta, a rather barren place on the bald-headed prairie south of Hanna, Alberta. This introduction to the profession was a one room school where she was responsible for the education of students ranging from grade 1 to grade 9.

It was not that long before Doreen fell in love with and married a local rancher, Louis Nester. In a testament of love and devotion, Lou and Doreen celebrated an amazing 71years of marriage.

To this union was born a daughter, Debra, and a son Hugh. Interestingly, both children went on to pursue successful careers in education.

Indicative of her drive and determination, over the course of numerous summers, Doreen attended university summer school classes until she completed her Bachelor of Education degree. Doreen taught various grades, music, and physical education at Cessford throughout her 36 years and retired a well-respected and dedicated educator.

Upon retirement Doreen and Lou moved to their new home in Duchess. Retirement found them x-country skiing, curling, golfing, and square dancing with the Pheasant Promenadors. Travel was also on the agenda, but most of their time was spent enjoying their many friends and family.

Doreen passed from this life on October 27th, 2025.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband Lou; daughter Debbie (Dean) Zepick; and sons Aaron (Leah) and family, and Daniel (Beth Anne); son Hugh (Cheryl) Nester; Kelly (Adam) Moseson and family; Brad (Ashley) Nester and family; Jamie Nester (Colin Spiller) and family; as well as 13 great-grandchildren and a host of friends and relatives.

Doreen was predeceased by her parents, Hugh and Clara Creighton; sister Pat Creighton; brother Dan Creighton; and grandson, David Zepick.

The family would like to thank everyone for their support through this difficult time.

A Memorial Service will be held in Brooks, Alberta at the Trinity Lutheran Church at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 5, 2025.

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