Doreen Sisto

Doreen Mary Sisto

  Peacefully and under her own terms we announce the passing of Doreen Sisto after an amazing 89+ year journey filled with love and adventure.

  Doreen is survived by her sons Guy Sisto, Mark Sisto (Lauren); grandchildren Dylan and Tyler of Chicago, their mom Cori. Doreen will be sadly missed by the Truthwaite and Boyce families as well as many extended families in the UK, numerous aunts and uncles and dear lifelong friends. She was predeceased by her husband George Sisto of Chicago, her father William Robert Jefferson, her mother Barbara (Neave) Jefferson, and her brother, the Selkirk icon Bob Jefferson.  

  Doreen loved her life in Chicago and had an incredible adventure in the other windy city.  George & the boys enjoyed city life, great food, friends, sports, music and all the big city had to offer. Later in life, whenever Doreen visited, the boys would get her to cook a specialty like her clam spaghetti and hit a Cubs or Hawks game.  She especially enjoyed Dylan and Tyler who grew up so fast between visits and always made Doreen laugh and feel loved.

  Doreen was arguably The Forest Gump of Selkirk making chance encounters with celebrities, and throughout her career at the Ambassador East & the Downtown Westin in Chicago while somehow being simply her unique self.  She told many stories about times she was with Harry Belafonte watching Miles Davis at Birdland, drank beers in a dive bar with Rodney Dangerfield, tore Keith Richards coat, and served Cognac to Nazareth.  

  Over the years Doreen also worked as a car salesperson, known as the velvet hammer, it was good training for her arrival back in Canada.  In 1994, Bob and Doreen ventured “out of the box” and decided to take real estate course, once completed, they started Century 21 Jefferson where they collaborated up until Bob’s passing on Christmas of 2013. Doreen then retired and continued with volunteer work. She was on the Selkirk Interlake Mental Health Support Centre Board for over 20 years and was a strong advocate for the importance of mental health.

  Doreen engaged and enjoyed many people along her life path where she maintained lifelong friendships built on fun, music, laughter, and super great conversations.  

   Doreen was adamant that she was going to stay in her home and did so right up until two weeks before her passing.  In the last two years she amazingly recovered from a broken femur and a cracked pelvis and miraculously persevered until time finally prevailed.  Doreen declined dialysis and fought to the end in dignity and courage.

  We would like to thank George and Darlene Hacking for their unwavering friendship, support, and assistance they provided to Doreen over some critical times when she needed help the most while at home. Also the Doctors, nurses, and staff at the Selkirk hospital for their dignified and compassionate care.

  A celebration of Doreen’s life will be held on Wednesday, January 7th, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Gilbart Funeral Chapel, Selkirk, MB., followed by a brief interment at St Clements Cemetery, followed by a Celebration at Gaffers, Where Doreen & Bob were once partners.  If you can recall some memories of Doreen or even some of her stories please share them on the memorium section of the Gilbarts webpage.

  Tributes: www.gilbartfuneralhome.com

  Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk, in care of arrangements.

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