Dorene Elsie McMaster was born on December 18, 1939, in Rockville Notch, Nova Scotia, youngest of three daughters of Clayton and Elsie McMaster (nee Crouse). She died on Friday, August 16, 2024, in Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia at the age of 84. Dorene spent most of her childhood in the small sawmill community where she was born. She attended a one-room schoolhouse in Harmony, played with her cousins in and around the McMaster mill and swam where the beavers lived in the Fales River. When the decision was made to move the family business, E.R. McMaster & Sons, to Kingston, the family followed, and Dorene subsequently attended Kingston Bible College, Middleton Regional High School, and Nova Scotia Teacher's College. Dorene had a fulfilling teaching career until she left the workforce to raise her two children, Penelope (St-Laurent, nee Stenhouse) and Andrew (Stenhouse). A curious traveler in her early years, she entertained her children with stories of the places she'd been – much of which she documented in the many photo albums she kept. Dorene moved in and around the Atlantic provinces throughout her lifetime, but always felt strongly connected to her roots in the Annapolis Valley and returned to Rockville Notch in 2000. Dorene regularly visited the original mill site, where various remains can still be seen, and shared her father's dream of making it into a park for all to enjoy. She pursued their dream with tenacity, and after she and her sisters donated the land to Kings County, her efforts were rewarded when the McMaster Mill Historic Park officially opened in 2013. Dorene was an accomplished amateur genealogist, and spent much of her time researching her roots, travelling as far as Scotland to explore her family's history. Instilled with a strong sense of social justice, she was an avid reader and follower of current events and had a life-long soft spot for animals of all kinds. Dorene is survived by her daughter, Penelope (Mario St-Laurent); and son, Andrew (Nancy Snow); former husband, James Stenhouse; as well as her three grandchildren, Alex, Maddie and Lilly. There will be a gathering of family and friends from 2:00 - 4:30 pm on Friday, August 23, 2024, in Middleton Funeral Home, 398 Main St., toll free 1-855-825-3448, and all are welcome. In memory of Dorene, visitors are encouraged to share their memories in written form via the Middleton Funeral Home website or on paper in the collection box provided. Interment in North Kingston Cemetery, at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada or the SPCA. The family extends special thanks to the staff at White Hills Long-Term Care Centre for their kindness, good humour, and support during Dorene's residency. Online guestbook may be signed by visiting www.middletonfuneralhome.com