Doris was born on July 15, 1927. She was the tenth child and the fifth daughter of Ukrainian immigrant parents, Fred and Dora (Wasyluk) Bzdel. She attended Honey Bank and Lily White schools. Her artistic abilities were evident even as a young child. On July 14, 1945, Doris married Joseph Sawchen, the love of her life. They were married in Toronto and remained there for just over a year, after which time they returned to farm life. In 1949, their daughter, Colleen, was born. They moved into Wynyard in 1952. Doris worked for a time at Wynyard Pharmacy and was always very involved with the church and the UCWL. She decided to take a pottery course at the Fort San Summer School of the Arts and never looked back. She went on to become a very accomplished potter and painter, with showings at various art venues as well as in galleries in Saskatoon and Winnipeg. She was active in the community, giving pottery lessons and serving on the Arts Council. Doris and Joe took many enjoyable trips and especially loved their cruises. Doris was an excellent cook and fed all who came through her door. She was an extraordinary gardener, although in later years, she confessed that gardening wasn't her favourite thing. Doris was devoted to her family. She had 16 godchildren and spent much quality time with her granddaughter, Shannon. Doris will be loved and remembered by her husband Joseph; daughter Colleen (Allan) Olson; granddaughter Shannon (Brad) Dumouchelle; great-granddaughter Linden Dumouchelle; as well as by her sisters, Minnie Sawchyn, Irene Yaskowich, Marion Courte, and many special nieces and nephews.