February 15, 1921 - November 7, 2022
Dorothy, lovingly known as "Grams," passed away peacefully at Cartier House on November 7, 2022, at the age of 101.
Dorothy was born on February 15, 1921, in Summerland. She had an idyllic childhood growing up on the shores of Okanagan Lake with her two brothers Alan and Bob. After graduating from secretarial school Dorothy decided to follow her dreams and moved to Victoria where she met her husband, Tom. Together they raised two daughters in Burnaby.
She will be lovingly remembered by her two daughters Linda (John) and Nancy (Mike); her four grandchildren Linnaea (Gabe), Jeremy (Jesse), Colin (Angela), and Katie (Paul); and her eight great-grandchildren Jeffrey, Jordan, Casey, Ryelan, Claira, Milo, James, and Emily.
Dorothy was predeceased by her parents Mary and Edward, her brothers Alan and Bob, and her husband Tom.
She was an accomplished writer, painter, and world traveller. Also, she was a lifelong learner and enjoyed playing games, especially word games. But most of all, she loved spending time with her family.
Dorothy was a loving, caring, and supportive mother. She was always there for her children, encouraging them to follow their dreams, believe in themselves, and live life to the fullest. She was a proud, affectionate, and devoted grandmother who was interested in everything her grandchildren did. She loved spending time with them and going to their sports games, concerts, graduations, and weddings.
As well, she was a thoughtful and beloved great-grandmother who liked to entertain her great-grandchildren with her stories, humor, and wit. One day she told them in a very serious voice, "never eat apple pie without cheese because it's like getting a kiss without a squeeze." Her humor made everyone smile but it was her unconditional love that will be remembered by all.
In her spare time, Dorothy enjoyed helping others by volunteering as a peer counsellor and helping women obtain PEO scholarships. With her kind heart and beautiful smile, she connected with people of all ages and many of them became her lifetime friends. Her kindness made this world a better place to live in.
Her adventurous spirit took her on journeys to Europe, South America, Russia, Bermuda, Hawaii, Mexico, PEI, Alaska, Arizona, Oregon, and California. On her first flight from Vancouver to Penticton the plane crashed into Okanagan Mountain. But that never stopped her from flying, she was resilient. She always said, "the most dangerous part of flying was driving to the airport." Her positive outlook on life inspired everyone.
We will miss her tremendously but we are fortunate that she left us with so many beautiful memories and valuable life lessons. Her love will continue to guide us and she'll always be by our sides.
A family celebration of life will be held in the Spring.