Mrs. Dorothy Evelyn Reid

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Gordon; sister and brother-in-law Gwen and Harold Prout; and parents and infant brother Alexander. She is survived by her children Larry and wife Laurel; Debbie and husband Randy; grandchildren Lisa (Joel), Stephen (Carissa), Mark (Beth) and Brooke (Justin); and great-grandchildren Grace, Quinn and Paige Evelyn (her namesake).

Mom was born on February 16, 1920 in Edmonton and grew up on a farm in the village of Strome, Alberta. She lived there until her dad moved them to live with his family in Alexandria, Ontario after the untimely death of her mom in 1935. This was a big change, but she made many friends. It was here that she saw her dream come true of becoming a telephone operator which she was immensely proud of. She worked her way up to Chief Operator and implemented a “coffee break” for the girls on their shift, which they had never experienced before.

A New Year’s party in 1953 would change Mom’s life forever. The handsome young photographer that was hired to take pictures that night took one look at Mom and said “I’m going to marry that girl” – and he did. On May 16, 1953 she became Mrs. Gordon Reid. They started their family the following year and then moved to Winnipeg where dad was from. Mom got on with MTS and they settled on Jessie Avenue where they raised the family.

Unfortunately, due to Dad’s poor health, they were only married for 21 years until his passing in 1974. Mom continued working until her well-deserved retirement at age 60. She worked hard all her life and never complained. She would always say “the good Lord never gives you more than you can handle, but sometimes I think he’s cutting it a little close”. Her faith gave her strength and comfort.

Life became easier and she was able to do some travelling which she enjoyed. Mom moved to Lion’s Place where she spent a very happy 26 years. She loved bingo, playing cards and going downtown. The grandchildren have many happy memories of spending time with Nana at her suite (especially Jenga).

Mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and resided at Lion’s Manor in personal care for the past 4 years. We would like to thank the staff there for their truly amazing care and compassion. Mom could not have been in a better place. It is like a family there. She left there with dignity and respect.

A very special thank you to the Alwis family for their love and support of Mom over the years and to Jill Glover and Marion Menzies for being there.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2015 at 10:00 am at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard. Pastor Jerry South officiating.

We have all been blessed with Mom’s unconditional love, support, extreme generosity and life’s lessons – too many to mention that she has passed on to us. She was a wonderful wife and mother under some very difficult circumstances and we are truly grateful for this. Dad picked the right girl at the party that night.

Safe journey Mom, you will live on in all of us. Rascal rabbit!