Dorothy was born June 29, 1946 at Winkler Bethel Hospital to Abe and Helen Doell. She grew up in the Bergfeld District and attended South Thames School. In Dorothy's teen years, she loved having fun with her dear friends, Sharon, Leona, and Shirley, they were always off to the Thames baseball games together. After school, she went to work in Winnipeg in a chocolate factory. She also did a little work in a sewing factory in Winkler.
Then she met Peter. They were married on May 30, 1964 and lived In Plum Coulee, where they started a family, and had 3 sons, Paul, Warren, and Perry. Peter was a carpenter and carpentry brought about several moves, first in the Winkler area, then to Red Lake, Ontario, and finally, back to Winnipeg, in the Birds Hill Park area.
While living in Winkler, she tried her hand at being an Avon Lady, and worked part-time at Salem Home as a nurses's aide. In Red Lake, she worked at the B & E Drive-in and Justina's Bakery. In Winnipeg, she worked at Kmart and also at Middle Church nursing home as a kitchen aid.
About 12 years ago, her faith in the Lord became a real priority. It definitely showed as she became very peaceful in her last, difficult days.
She has a granddaughter Emma who is 6 years old and she was so proud of her. Although she did not get to meet with her often, she enjoyed every visit and phone call very much.
When Dorothy was 59 years old, she started having health issues. First it was a blood disorder, and then bladder cancer. It took its toll on her. In 2016, the doctors did more testing, and found liver cancer. She did more treatments but it didn’t go away. This last summer her health continued to deteriorate, and on September 11, she was moved to palliative care at the Selkirk Hospital. Her husband and sons surrounded her, and siblings came to encourage her, and she was very content. Saturday morning, September 14, she went to be with her saviour. She will be sadly missed.
The family would like to thank Cancer Care Manitoba, Dr. D. Drackenberg, Dr. Gingerich, Dr. D. Houston (HSC), Dr. Eva Smil (family doctor), the staff at Selkirk Hospital, Home Care Staff, along with friends and relatives who brought food and cards and visits. Thank you also to Pastor Lorne Pearson and the The Church at Pine Ridge and friends for their services. Thank you to Klassen Funeral Home for their services as well.
