I had the privilege to work with Maureen for many years.   Both in a cross district collaborative project on 0-8 education and again at the Ministry of Education.   I have never met anyone with such a big heart and passion for everything education and all done wearing high heels.  I loved her humour she brought to the work we all cared deeply about but she made you feel like we could do anything together.  She always had the best stories too.  Two of my favourite memories were at a tech conference and she was NOT going to leave behind her perfectly fine glass of wine to get on the bus for dinner- she improvised with a plastic to go cup and took her wine to go.  Another is when she asked me to have my friend Noel Brown create a bracelet for her.  She wanted silver and gold and a big 2” bracelet. She gave me cash and said create something for me.  It was a stunning piece and I always called it her wonder woman bracelet.  She was a remarkable educator, mom and human being.  

Mo you will be missed 

Colleen Hannah 

Maureen is a legend. Her career awe-inspiring.  Her personality next level of kindness. I was so saddened to hear about her passing.  I loved reading Dustin's words and thanks to her sister and Faye for adding more to the Maureen trilogy because she was an exemplary mom, educator, friend and advocate for learning for decades in British Columbia.  I am grateful for my last zoom call with her this past year, when once again she supported the Kamloops-Thompson School District No. 73 with Early Learning and Childcare. She  spoke to us like we were all family and always through the lens of 'I got you.'  Thanks to Maureen for being the pillar of what an educator should be. She is in a class of her own because there is only one MOMO~forever and always in our hearts. 

Rest in Paradise, Maureen. Your impact immeasurable and indescribable  in words. 

My deepest condolences to each of you as you navigate the loss of beautiful Maureen/mom/partner/MoMo. Maureen was a light – to me and to so many who had the privilege to work with and learn from her in SD43 and in B.C. I was so lucky to have her as my boss for a couple of years in Learning Services- then later within the Changing Possibilities for Young Readers and Young Children B.C. Ministry projects. I watched her pull people together, build enthusiastic teams around a common vision, and continuously communicate an unwavering belief in the power and potential of teachers to make a difference in children’s lives.

She made each person on her different teams feel seen and heard and, unlike many who seek the attention from success, always insisted on shared accolades to ensure that each person knew they were appreciated and valued. 

She believed in me when I wasn’t sure I believed in myself, and taught me so much about self-compassion, nurturing joy and curiosity, and re-framing challenge into possibility. In her presence, I felt cared for, challenged, capable, hopeful. Her gratitude for the beauty and potential this world, and the people in it, offers us will stay with me forever. 

Miss you, Maureen.

Magnetic

Authentic

Unique

Resilient

Effective

Effervescent

Notable

I will cherish every moment we shared together and the memories I have for you.

I am forever grateful,

Lindsey Barnett

Dear Neal and Family,

Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I had such deep admiration for Maureen, she made everyone feel good about themselves and was simply a joy to be around. Her warmth, wisdom, and the way she inspired others was truly a gift. I feel blessed to have known her. She leaves behind a beautiful legacy in all the lives she touched.

With sympathy, Leona Chambers

From Murray Corren

I remember the first day I met Maureen Dockendorf. It was a professional development workshop—she was presenting on an integrated teaching theme, and I sat there spellbound, listening to this radiant, joy-filled educator speak about her Grade 1 students with such infectious energy. I left that workshop utterly inspired, and in truth, it changed the direction of my teaching career.

That moment marked the beginning of one of the most cherished friendships of my life. Years later, Maureen—by then a principal—welcomed me to Mountain View Elementary with open arms, despite concerns I had about being an openly gay teacher in a time and place where that wasn’t always easy. She stood beside me with unshakable support, integrity, and love, and gave me a home at her school, where children, families, and staff alike flourished under her leadership.

Maureen had a way of transforming every school she touched into a community of care. At Blakeburn Elementary, which she helped launch, her vision of social responsibility and inclusive education created a space where laughter, compassion, and shared purpose defined the everyday. She was not only our leader—she was the heart of the place.

Outside of school, Maureen, Neal, Peter—my beloved late husband—and I shared a deep and lasting friendship. From dinners at home to sailing trips, from shared joys to profound losses, we built a connection that lives in me still. When Peter was diagnosed with cancer, Maureen was a source of unwavering comfort and kindness. She and her family spent Christmas with us in Ixtapa during Peter’s final years—times filled with laughter and warmth that I will never forget. She loved Peter, and he adored her. After his passing, her sister Nancy even accompanied me—along with our two dogs—to Ixtapa, so I wouldn’t have to face the journey into grief alone. That’s who Maureen was. Always stepping up. Always holding others with love.

Maureen was a light in this world: a brilliant educator, a generous spirit, a loving friend, and a soul who left every space she entered better than she found it. I am heartbroken to know she is gone. And yet I feel so profoundly lucky to have known her, worked alongside her, laughed with her, and called her my friend.

My deepest condolences to Neal, Carly, Brody, Dustin, and the entire Dockendorf and Farrell families. Maureen made this world better—for children, for teachers, for friends, for all of us.

With enduring love and gratitude,

Murray Corren

Hi Nancy:  It’s Beverly Beamish.  I lived next door to Judy Fullerton and went through Morley with your Mom.  I am so very sorry to hear of her passing - and in awe of how incredibly loved and respected she was in both her personal and professional life.  (I lost my husband a year ago to Alzheimer’s ……I can feel your pain, understood.). I remember you both very well.  Sending you much love and healing thoughts and prayers.  It’s a terribly difficult transition to live without someone so profoundly present and loved.  Blessings to you all.  Bev

Never, ever, has there ever been a more inspirational educator, leader or person in my career! I am so incredibly grateful for learning from this amazing powerhouse! She believed in each child & how, we, as educators, could make a difference.

I was lucky enough to work with this gifted visionary. Her strength, vision & passion has fueled my career. During difficult times, her zest for life & passion & quest to “find the joy in everyday” has silently kept me afloat.

I could not be more grateful for having this amazing human be an integral part of my career & her voice guide me through the most difficult of times.

You are an amazing human! You have made an incredible difference in this world!

You will light up the skies wherever you go!

May peace be with you, always!

Renée xoxo ❤️😍🤩💪🏼🤗😘❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

Dustin, what a beautifully written tribute. 

Mo hired me to be the music teacher at Mountain View where she was Principal 27 years ago, then brought me along with an incredible team that opened a newly built Blakeburn Elementary. Mo made us believe that anything was possible: if we could dream it up, together we could make it happen. I’m not sure I’ve ever worked harder, felt more creative andhad more fun doing so, than in those first 3 Blakeburn years together. Everything she did was full of joy, zest, art, laughter, adventure and the desire to make things better for children, students and staff alike. Like so many have said, Mo made an indelible impact on my life and teaching, and I think of her often.

Your mom was so very proud of her family. So, SO deeply proud. She was a master storyteller, and would have us in stitches or sharing tears as she recounted each weekend’s events and escapades in those early days at Blakeburn. It was always clear how proud she was of each of her kids.

As I write, I am reminded of so many memories- some hilarious, some levitating, some inspiring. I feel very fortunate to have been a part of her team and to have learned so much from her. 

Maureen was a blaze of bright beautiful brilliance and will be deeply missed. My condolences to your family. ~Diana

Maureen Dockendorf’s passion for teaching and her love for children were both immeasurable and contagious!

I had the pleasure of opening Blakeburn with her, where she lead and inspired a team of educators to be their best self for every student.

To this day, 25 years later, she continues to influence my daily teaching and the classroom environments I strive to create - especially in fostering social responsibility. One of my many favourite memories was when she visited my class to read a story. She brought the book to life and had the students captivated! I feel so fortunate to have learned from her! And for those who remember - yes, she truly had the gift of levitation!!

You were a phenomenal force of life Mo! Thank- you for the endless gifts you shared with us all!❤️❤️ ❤️