June 7, 1930 - October 29, 2023
During a sudden burst of sunshine on an overcast wintery day, our beloved mother, grandmother, and GG-great-grandmother Dorothy Arwilda Walkoski passed away at 93 into eternal rest and peace on Sunday, October 29, 2023 at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital with her son Kevin by her side, holding her hand, just the way she wished it! Sadly, Mom had fallen and fractured her hip in her villa as she struggled daily with progressive dementia which greatly affected her memory and mobility.
Dorothy was born on the farm June 7, 1930 on the prairies near Evesham in Saskatchewan. She was the daughter of James and Magda White, and had 3 siblings Ivan White, Everett White, and Mary White-Ford along with their families. She was the proud mother of 3 sons, Brian, Mark and Kevin (Mary), grandmother and GG to Christie Walkoski (Emilee, Taylor, and Nicholas Walkoski-Faetz), Michael Walkoski, wife Veronika, Brenda Walkoski (Callum), Leanne, husband Brandon, (Brynlee) Tyrvainen, James Walkoski, wife Rebecca, (Elizabeth, Penelope, and Cassandra), Darren Walkoski and partner Sammy (Samantha) Yarr.
Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Henry of 54 years in 2004, son Brian (2019), by her parents, and 3 siblings, as well as numerous family members on the White and Walkoski side along with several close and dear friends she very much adored.
Dorothy and Henry were a railroading family which took them to several small towns throughout Saskatchewan eventually relocating with Henry’s transfer to Kenora, Ontario in 1972 from Wynyard, SK where they made Kenora their home until 1999. Being now retired, Hank & Dot moved to High River, Alberta to fulfill their dream of once again living out West. Upon dad’s passing Dorothy returned to Kenora to be close to family and settled comfortably into the newly built Grandview Villas in 2006 where she was a resident there for 17 years…it was her ‘home’! Dorothy was able to remain in the comforts of her place until the end because of the daily help of Kevin and very dear friend Sandy Moss who provided such amazing care-giving to her.
Our memory of Dorothy is that of a mother who was kind, giving, loving and very special to her family and friends. She had many important careers throughout the years which included being a Switchboard/Telephone Operator with the Alberta Government in Lloydminster. Legal Secretary (Wynyard,SK), Finance Clerk and Office Manager (Wynyard,SK), Payroll and Finance Clerk, MTO, (Kenora,ON) and her last biggest position was in Kenora,ON with the Federal Government at INA, Canada. Dorothy’s successful career can be attributed to her always striving to be better and educating herself by taking financial and management correspondence courses… she was one smart lady! Dorothy enjoyed reading, golfing with the ladies at Beauty Bay, watching tennis on TV especially her Nadal, the Toronto Blue Jays, curling, aerobics, crafting, crocheting, crossword puzzles, volunteering with the ladies auxiliary at the LOWDH, and socializing with the Red Hat ladies. She was a collector of recipes and all things sunflower. Mom was our “queen” as we always commented on her resemblance to Queen Elizabeth after a trip to her hairdresser. She would chuckle and smile with that comment but it was how we felt.
A private family interment will take place on June 3, 2024 in Lloydminster, SK where Dorothy will be re-united with Henry, in the family plot, on their wedding anniversary alongside their son Brian.
In lieu of flowers the family would greatly appreciate donations to the Alzheimer Society of Kenora/Rainy River Districts, 618 9th St. N., Kenora, ON P9N 2S9
She will be dearly missed by ALL of her family for the sweetheart that she was…”our hearts are empty now but our memories of you are full”…we love you Mom, Grandma, and GG! xox
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Walkoski family.
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