Dorothy Jean Cosgrove Robson

Dorothy lived her life guided by dignity and strength, making it clear right to the very end how the most important thing in life is family. In the early morning hours on Sunday, October 26, 2014, “Gigi” peacefully left our world, knowing that her entire family had travelled from near and far to be at her side.

Left to mourn her memory are her son Gary Cosgrove (Marilyn) and daughter Lynne Tovell (Gordon); six grandchildren, Jennifer Findlay (Reid), Nancy Tovell (Duane Millar), Kelly Dalton (Doug), Sean Cosgove (Karin), David Tovell (Andrea), Jane Milne (Geoff) and 14 great grandchildren, Teagan and Katie Findlay, Shaelee and Rya Tovell-Millar, Ethan and Avery Dalton, David, Danny, Natalie and Emmalie Cosgrove, Airlie Tovell, Soren, Arlo and Bode Milne.

She was predeceased by her parents Louisa and William Jones, brother Bill Jones, her first husband Russell Claire Cosgrove, and second husband Robert Clayton Robson.

Dorothy was born in Toronto on January 13, 1916, although she lived most of her life in Winnipeg. She grew up on Strathcona Street and attended Isaac Brock School followed by Daniel McIntyre Collegiate where she was the first female Senior Student Council President. In 1931, after completing Grade 11, she talked her Dad into sending her to Wesley College (University of Winnipeg). She graduated in 1936 with a Bachelor of Arts.

She met Claire in university and they were married in March of 1940. While raising her two children she was an active member of the community, volunteering her time at organizations such as the Children’s Hospital St. Agnes Guild, Girl Guide House, and the Winnipeg Winter Club. She also assisted Claire in starting the first Manitoban chapter of the Canadian Diabetes Society. Upon retirement, Dorothy and Claire spent many winters in Rockport, Texas and many summers at the cottage at Clear Lake, in Riding Mountain National Park. She helped to establish the Riding Mountain Historical Society and was also a member of the RMNP 50th Anniversary Committee. There really was no more beautiful place on earth to her than the lake and the mere mention of it would bring a special sparkle to her eye. She continued to visit every year until her passing.

Claire and Dorothy were married for 50 years before his death. Dorothy started a new phase of her life with Clayt who shared her love of laughter and travel. They were married in 1992 and were able to enjoy all kinds of adventures, from Australia to the Panama Canal. They spent ten wonderful years together prior to his passing in 2002.

It was in 2002 that Dorothy moved to The Portsmouth Retirement Residence, where she has been an active social presence. She couldn’t have found a better place to spend her final years. The many supportive friends she made with both staff and residents were so important to her.

Gigi was class, spunk and kindness all rolled into one. She could bat her eyelashes one minute, then bring out mother bear the next. She taught us how to stand our ground with grace, the importance of family, and to stick up for what we believe in. Gigi, your strength and spirit will live on and we are all better people for having had such an impressive woman so actively involved in our lives. We love you.

A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, October 29, 2014 at 2pm at Thomson “In the Park” Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Boulevard.