Dorothea Olafson

(nee MCKAY)

Peacefully, on April 8, 2013 at the Grace Hospice, Dorothea passed away at the age of 76 years.

Dorothea was predeceased by her parents, John (Jack) and Vera McKay, sister, Patricia and brother Donald.

She will be missed and lovingly remembered by her husband, Ernie, daughters, Debra Warren (Kirk) and Daneesa Danielson, their father Daniel; grandchildren, Josh (Stefani) and Gabrielle. She is also survived by niece Tammy, great-nephew Nicolas, great-niece Gracie-Lee, her sister Olive, nephews, and Ernie’s sisters Thelma, Helga and Lil.

Mom was raised on the family farm in the Ashern District. She also attended high school in Cranberry Portage and had fond memories of her time there with her Auntie Gertie and Uncle Sam Anderson. She knew from an early age that she wanted to be a teacher. She began her career at age 16 as a permit teacher in Lundar and she also taught at Swan Creek, Gillam, Laura Secord and Kent Road Schools.

Mom was an energetic woman with a zest for life. Her interests were varied and she was always game to try something new. She both competed in the rodeo and sewed the outfit she wore. An avid curler, Mom enjoyed the sport and the camaraderie. She also enjoyed gardening, travelling, Folklorama, the Fringe, theatre and movies. She never missed a celebration, even scheduling her treatments around social events.

She loved being a grandma. Whether it was a trip to the snake pits or baking reindeer cookies, manicures at the kitchen table or the Grey Cup – she was there.

In recent years Mom became the family historian. She enjoyed researching and documenting her family’s history for Taming the Wilderness: The Next Chapter. Mom’s friends spanned the generations. She maintained life-long friendships and she particularly enjoyed reconnecting with her classmates from Teachers’ College during their reunions.

Mom fought a long and courageous battle against her illness. Never one to give up hope, she was looking into taking her girls to Ireland this summer. We will forever be inspired by her strength and optimism.

Thank you to Dr. Daeninck, Tracy and the staff at St. Boniface Oncology and Palliative Units and to the staff at Grace Hospice for their care and kindness to Mom and the family.

A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, April 20, 2013 at 10:00 am at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Grace Hospice, c/o Grace Hospital Foundation, 300 Booth Drive, Winnipeg, R3J 3M7 or by visiting www.gracehospitalfoundation.ca.