Dorothy Irene Hill

Left to cherish her memory are her children: Dan (Linda) Hill, Irene (Dave) Punt, Tom (Brenda) Hill; her grandchildren: Tim Hill, Katie (Ian Buehler) Hill, Hartland (Julie) Punt, Tom Punt, Jake Hill and Jadie Hill; her great-grandchildren: Brady and Emmy Hill, Addison and Rory Punt; many nieces and nephews, extended family, and dozens of friends.

Dot was predeceased by her husband of 60 years, Howard Hill (Howie); her parents; and her siblings George, Dick, Harry and Margaret Culley.

Dot’s journey began on December 27, 1926, in Regina, Saskatchewan. She was born to Irish parents, George and Mary Culley on a snowy, yet sunny day, and would be the fifth and youngest child of the Culley family. Her young years in Regina included ice skating on their backyard rink, knitting, sewing, playing house and school, going to church and singing in the choir. Their home was filled with love, fun, storytelling, singing —- and a little chaos. At her side was her best friend and sister, Margaret. Together they would be “the Culley sisters”.

Dot was 13 years old when her family moved to Burnaby, B.C.. They settled on Merritt Avenue and attended Burnaby South High School. Later that year the Second World War broke out and her oldest two brothers enlisted.

Dot’s working career started at a stationary company. She next worked for B.C. Tel at a job she called “tedious”. At age 22, along with her best friend, Beverly (Toots), she quit her job and launched out on one of her life’s greatest adventures. They travelled across Canada and throughout the United States, by train, bus and automobile, stopping to work and play along the way. Homesick for family, Dot and Toots returned to Burnaby and B.C. Tel.

It was soon thereafter Dot was catching the bus to work when Howie Hill, her neighbour, pulled up in his car and offered her a ride. Their first date followed, to a hockey game. Then came baseball dates, where Howie was the pitcher. After Howie joined the Burnaby Fire Department, they were ready. On November 6, 1952, Dot and Howie eloped.

Immediately, they bought a lot on Bryant Street. Howie, along with the help of his father-in-law and friends, built what would become their family home for the next 35 years. Dot happily set to work sewing drapes for every window.

Between 1954 and 1958, they welcomed their three children— Dan, Irene and Tom. Dot often said that being a mom was her greatest gift and most precious part of her life. She embraced raising her three children and being a housewife— in her fun loving style. There were swimming lessons, picnics, parks, parties, drive in movies, day trips to Crescent Beach, camping, holidays in the Okanagan, at Cultas Lake and to Disneyland. When Howie built a speedboat in their basement, waterskiing and lake life began. On sunny days, their car rolled down the highway, filled with lots of kids, towing their boat named, “The Dot”.

Dot hosted many family dinners, church meetings, wedding and baby showers. She was a Brownie leader, CGIT leader, Sunday School teacher, and school volunteer. She always showed up with her big smile, a positive attitude and lots of food.

When her children were in school she started an outdoors club, took piano lessons, joined a synchronized swimming group and fitness group.

Church remained important to Dot as did volunteering at seniors’ centres, soup kitchens, and homeless shelters.

She frequented Crescent Beach to visit her Culley family home where her parents and sister had lived. She’d say the long beach walks, sunsets and the sound of seagulls could air out her brains.

At age 60, Dot and Howie bought a fifth wheel and spent their winter months in California and Arizona.

To Dot’s delight, her family began to grow and she became a mother-in-law to Linda, Dave and Brenda. Grandchildren made life even better and she proudly bragged about them all— Tim, Katie, Hart, Tom, Jake and Jadie.

At 62, they sold their house on Bryant Street and built a house in Maple Ridge where they lived for ten years. An apartment overlooking the Fraser River in New Westminster was their next stop. They both loved living back in the city where they frequented Tim Hortons, the Spaghetti Factory, and a travel agency to book trips to Reno, Vegas, Ireland, the British Isles and several cruises.

After 60 years of a happy marriage, Howie passed. Dot missed her life companion, and moved to Thornebridge Gardens, where she would live for the next 11 years.

Dot never missed a beat at Thornebridge, and made many new friends. She loved singing in the choir, the live entertainment, guided bus tours, Saturday night movies and walks around the community. She happily gave away her aprons and cookbooks, and enjoyed eating in the dining room. She knit cotton dishcloths for everyone, and gifted all who helped her a chocolate bar a day.

Her final few months were spent at George Derby.

Wherever Dot ventured or lived, she carried her selflessness and optimistic attitude with her. She was patient and kind. She kept her sense of curiosity and humour, and loved to share her stories over a cup of tea. She was caring and loving, and supported her family every step of the way. She was loved.

May she live in our hearts forever.