Dorothy Edith Madden

Dorothy maintained good health for most of those years by staying active and living life to the fullest. Mom had a strong feisty spirit and would not be defeated by any of her recent challenges, including, winning the battle against cancer in her 70’s. Born on August 14,1931 in Snowflake, Manitoba, she was raised there on a farm with her parents, Kitchener and Amie (Shaver) and three siblings, Norma (Bryant/Shurvell), Bud and Norv. As a child, Dorothy loved all the farm animals as pets and often talked about her many fond childhood memories working hard and enjoying the farm life. Dorothy always knew she wanted to be a nurse and set out to Winnipeg at 17 years old to achieve that goal, graduating in 1952 at Grace Hospital in Winnipeg. She continued working for 35 years as a Registered Nurse in both Winnipeg and Montreal with her final and favourite nursing position as Assistant Head nurse at Lakeshore General Hospital in the neonatal department. Dorothy cared for many and met her husband while working as a nurse in Winnipeg.

She married the love of her life, Jerome Madden of Winnipeg in 1955, and raised their four children together in Winnipeg until 1967 and in Montreal until they retired from their professions and moved to the Cowichan Bay on Vancouver Island in 1991. While raising her children, working as a nurse and attending all their sports activities and coaching softball teams, she also enjoyed her own interests of curling, playing bridge, playing catcher on her softball team and creating oil paintings which adorned our walls at home. She was also a skilled seamstress and knitter.

Dorothy is predeceased by her husband, Jerome, of 43 years, parents, siblings and other family members and friends. They are now together for eternity.

She is survived by her son, Jay (Linda) of Chestermere, AB, grandchildren Ryan (Hannah) and Sarah (Sean) and great grandchildren Parker and Cooper, her daughter, Kimberley Strickland (Al) of Golden, BC, grandchildren Kurtis (Julie) and great grandchildren Avrie and Nate and Jennifer and great grandchildren Madisyn and Chase, her son Patrick and daughter Janine Madden of Victoria, BC and grandchildren Jeremy and Serena Baran. She leaves behind many nieces, nephews and cousins and her best friend since childhood, Ferne Green, who always stayed connected virtually into their 90’s.

Dorothy was a very independent, strong and determined woman who enjoyed good company, stimulating conversations and family gatherings. She was an avid gardener creating beautiful flower garden landscapes surrounding her home with brilliant colors of nature. Dorothy was active in her community in Cowichan Bay/Mill Bay during her retirement including Probus and hiking Mount Tzouhalem at Cowichan Bay. She enjoyed golfing and played on the curling team at the Kerry Park Curling Club and enjoyed a good game of bridge at clubs in the community until she was 88 years old. She loved and welcomed her family and friends for a visit in her home in Cowichan Bay.

Dorothy, Mom, Nana/Grams, you will be forever in our hearts and memories. We will all miss you dearly.

The funeral will be held on Tuesday, September 24 at 12 noon in Mill Bay at St. Francis Xavier Parish, 790 Kilmalu Road. A reception will immediately follow in the Parish Hall across from the church.