Dorothy Jean Thomson

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dorothy Jean Thomson (Nee Dunn), 80, of Winnipeg, Manitoba on October 16, 2023 peacefully at home with family by her side after a long struggle with rheumatoid arthritis.

Dorothy was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba to Dorothy and Jim Dunn. She grew up with two sisters, Barbara and Audrey. The family moved to Moose Jaw and then to Toronto where Dorothy attended Humber Valley Village Junior Middle School, Etobicoke Collegiate Institute and Richview Collegiate Institute.

Dorothy met, and later married the love of her life, Douglas Earl Thomson on September 14, 1978. Doug and Dorothy lived out a true love story that spanned more than four decades, starting in Toronto, they then moved to Calgary, and in 1990 to Portage la Prairie, and in 1997 to Winnipeg. Together, they made many memories and friendships.

Buddy (as she was affectionately nicknamed by family) will be lovingly remembered by stepchildren Carllie Necker (Bernie), Deborah Thomson and Christopher Thomson (Christine) and by grandchildren Adam, J, Angela, Jared, Epic and Amandah. Also left to cherish her memory are her sister Barbara Duff (David), nieces Sharon (Ashley), Dianne (Howie), Sandra (Morgan) and nephews Stephen (Kathleen), and David (Helena). She will be lovingly remembered and missed by grand nieces and nephews; Stephanie (Maurice) Scott (Megan), Eric (Emily), Lauren (Brayden), Marissa, Liam, Carolyn, Jessica, Ben (Emily), Ted, and Colin as well as great nieces and nephews; Logan, Dean, Chloe and Sophie and Caleb.

Dorothy was predeceased by her husband, Douglas Earl Thomson and by her sister Audrey and brother-in-law Jack Van Hellemond, and step-grandson Jacen.

At Dorothy’s request, there will not be a service. Dorothy’s family would like to thank medical and homecare staff from Winnipeg Health Authority, Deer Lodge, Nurse Next Door and many others who cared for Dorothy over the years. A special thanks to the tenants at 65 Paget Street who provided community and friendship.

Donations may be made in Dorothy Thomson’s name to The Doug and Dorothy Thomson Scholarship for Geriatric and Palliative Care Nursing established at the Winnipeg Foundation by Doug’s Executive Committee members.

Donations may also be made to Winnipeg Humane Society, as well as the Arthritis Society of Canada.

Dorothy had a rich and diverse career that included her role as Executive Assistant at Johnson-Higgins Insurance Company in Toronto, Ontario where she first met Doug.

Always noted for her impeccable style and love of fashion, Dorothy also had a long career with Braemar that started in Toronto and then resumed in Calgary where she was top salesperson and manager.

Dorothy’s love of cooking was enjoyed by family and friends and especially Doug! Her desserts were always highly anticipated at family gatherings—she made birthdays and holiday celebrations extra special. During one busy phase of her baking career, she sold her cakes to Decadent Desserts in Calgary. Both Dorothy and Doug loved to entertain and host family for special gatherings. Everyone was sure to leave their place with a smile and full tummy. Though cooking became more difficult for Buddy due to her arthritis, she learned how to make meals that were both easy to fix and delicious and we’re grateful that she enjoyed good food and friendships at Paget Place in Winnipeg. She always talked about being surrounded by a wonderful community there, and had many close friendships. Buddy made good friends wherever she went, including at the hospitals and with homecare staff. We’re grateful to all who helped look out for her since Doug’s passing in 2017.

Dorothy was also an active volunteer with the PC party in Calgary and Manitoba. In Calgary, she worked as an MLA Assistant to Ed Oman, MLA in North Hill.

Dorothy’s active career also involved being a true partner during Doug’s years with TEC (The Executive Committee) where they attended social and business events together and hosted TEC members and their spouses at their home, and prior to that, did the same during his career with Field Aviation and Southport Aerospace.

Dorothy also enjoyed watching sports and remained a loyal Winnipeg Jets fan right up to the most recent games.

Buddy loved animals and had many cats over the years who always cuddled on her lap.

Fiercely independent, an infectious sense of humour, and fastidious housekeeper, generous, graceful, a soft spirit….these are just some of the words that could be attributed to Dorothy. She will forever be in our hearts and will be deeply missed.

Dear Buddy, may peace be with you.

Two as One

By D.E. Thomson

All of your tomorrows

Will start from today

Forever comes in a little while.

Every dream can happen

Just believe that way

Together you’ll walk down that aisle.

And be

Two as one

Two as one, True Love.

Golden bands unite you.

Alone never more

Forever sharing future miles.

Seek out life’s answers

Behind every door

Together you’ll walk down those aisles.

And be

Two as one,

Two as one, sweet love.

Two as one

Two as one, sweet love.

Doug wrote a 100-reasons why he loved Dorothy and put them into a little wooden box as a gift to her, along with a series of poems and songs that she kept over the years. The two shared a love of music, enjoying concerts, music videos and a full discology that played during road trips and family gatherings. They enjoyed many travels together including trips to Spain, the Dominican Republic, and a memorable drive along the California coast with step kids energized by chocolate chip cookies and milkshakes.

We expect that Doug and Dorothy are two as one, once again.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.thomsoninthepark.com for the Thomson family.