Following a graceful struggle with cancer for three years, the family of Doreen Joan Ann Tonge (Hayes), age 79, announces her death which occurred on Sunday, August 20, 2017 at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on January 18th, 1938, in Saint John, NB, a daughter of the late William Charles and Gertrude Eileen (MacNeil) Hayes. Doreen was an honours graduate of St. Vincent’s Girls School in 1956. She also attended New Brunswick Teachers College in Fredericton in 1957 before beginning her teaching career at Woodland School, Westmorland Road in 1957. During her 38 year teaching career, she taught at Old Black River Road Elementary, East Saint John School, Hampton School, Quispamsis and Hammond River Elementary. Doreen returned to university to complete her B.A. with honours from UNBSJ in 1989. She retired from Hammond River Valley Elementary in 1995. She pursued many interests and shared her many talents with friends and family over her life. Music was a life time passion, as she instructed piano and for several years was a member of Saint John’s well known "Treble Clef Singers" who performed throughout the province and in Ottawa during Canada Day celebrations. The "Treble Clef Singers" were the only group that were asked to come and sing for that year, which was the year 2000. She was an active member of the Hampton Seniors Resource Centre for a number of years and was actively involved as a lector and in other ministries at St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, Hampton. Doreen is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 59 years, Leonard Tonge; her three children which were the joy of her life: Barry Tonge (Mary Beth Glick) of Edmonton, AB, Wendy (Tom) McNulty of Nauwigewauk, NB, and Angela (Britt) Dysart of Fredericton, NB; grandchildren: Matthew, Sean, Ryan, and Kelsey Tonge, Brittany and Jamie McNulty, and Emma and Madeline Dysart; sister Shirley (Pat Boulanger) of Saint John, NB; as well as many nieces and nephews. Doreen also had a close relationship with her half brother John J. Moore, and half sister Madeline Maureen from her mother’s first marriage to John Edwin Moore; her other half siblings included George, Edna, Alice, Mary, Mabel and Theresa. Besides her parents, Doreen was predeceased by her brothers: Billy (Joyce Bannister) and Hank (Verla Green). The family would like to express a special thank you to all those involved with helping and contributing towards Doreen and her family. Not just now in her final moments, but during the last several years of Doreen’s life. Your kindness and compassion will not be forgotten. Arrangements have been entrusted to Reid’s Funeral Home (506-832-5541), 1063 Main Street, Hampton, where visitation will be held on Thursday, August 24, 2017 from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8PM. Mass of Christian Burial officiated by Father Kevin Barry will be held on Friday, August 25, 2017 at 10:00AM from St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church, Hampton, followed by a reception at the Hampton Senior Resource Centre, 31 Demille Court. Interment will take place at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Saint John, NB. Donations in memory of Doreen may be made to the St. Alphonsus Roman Catholic Church or to the memorial of the donor’s choice. Personal condolences to the family and donations may be made through ReidsFH.com