Florence Violet Drogness Maier

After graduating from Calgary Normal School in 1930, Dot taught in several Alberta locations including Meadow Bank, Cameron Coulee, Kirkcaldy and Turner Valley.

Dot married Jack Miller in 1934 and for much of their marriage they lived near New York where she loved attending the theatre. Shortly after the war, she and Jack divorced and Dot married RCAF pilot Bob Mair. After Bob retired, they travelled the world for almost 15 years, often on board tramp freighters, spending time in well over 100 countries, on 6 continents, before returning to Alberta and settling in Calgary. Dorothy’s travel stories were fascinating, always told with a bright wit and a storyteller’s creativity. After Bob’s death in 1981, Dot met John Redekopp who remained her partner until his death in 2006.

Always involved in her community, Dot volunteered with Meals on Wheels and was a regular supporter of The Mustard Seed Street Ministry and Inn from the Cold. She was a past Worthy Matron of Occidental Chapter, Order of the Eastern Star and a long-time member of the United Church of Canada. Known affectionately as “Dancing Dot”, she often attended as many as four dances a week mostly at the Greater Forest Lawn Senior’s Centre where she was an Honorary Life Member. Dot was also a prolific painter and led art classes at the Centre for many years. She was an Honorary Life Member of the Highwood G&CC where she golfed regularly until a few years ago. From 2008 to March of 2010, Dorothy was an English tutor with the Calgary Seniors’ Literacy Project.

Dorothy is survived by her stepsons Robert Mair (Sue: Sarah, Eric) and John Redekopp (Rae: Desiree, Russell) nephews Ted Marshall (Leah, Jarvis and Fisher; Brad, Katie, Willa, James); and Tony Marshall (Penny: Megan, Kerry); nieces Sharon McNaughton (Tracy, Dave, Denae, Laine; Teri, Rod); and Marnie Ross (Tricia); as well as many loving cousins and dear friends.

There will be a memorial service for Dorothy at Emmanuel Lutheran Community Church, 30 Avenue and 28 Street SE, Calgary, on Tuesday April 27, 1:30 pm. Reception to follow at Greater Forest Lawn Senior’s Centre, 3425 – 26 Avenue SE.

Dorothy lived her life to the fullest and was active and witty to her last moments. In her final few days, she made it clear that she had no regrets and was ready for her next adventure beyond this world. Dot passed away in Calgary on April 19, 2010 at the age of 99 years surrounded by her family.

Expressions of sympathy may be left for the family in the Guest Book section found adjacent to this biography.