Dylis May Pritchard

May 1, 1920 – December 24, 2014

With profound sadness the family of Dylis Pritchard announces her sudden and peaceful passing at the age of 94 at Kildonan Personal Care Centre. She was predeceased by her loving husband of 70 years, Lloyd Pritchard. She is survived by her daughter Wendy Pritchard and son-in-law Dennis Bethscheider.

Dylis was a strong willed, hardworking, independent woman who was generous, kind and very outgoing. Born, raised and educated in Aberdare, South Wales, Dylis was a young woman when the Second World War started. She experienced the many hardships war can impose. During that time Dylis met a young Canadian soldier (PPCLI) who was on leave. Their first conversation went as follows; Dylis: “How do you like Aberdare?” Lloyd: “I like it a lot more now that I have met you.” The rest is history. Dylis and Lloyd were married March 23, 1941. During the invasion of Sicily, Lloyd was seriously wounded and subsequently returned to Canada on a hospital ship. As a war bride, Dylis boarded the Mauritania for a war time voyage across the ocean to Canada. While adapting to her new life in Winnipeg, Dylis helped Lloyd on his long road to recovery.

In 1949 Dylis and Lloyd were blessed with the birth of their only child, Wendy. A devoted wife and mother, Dylis loved cooking and gardening. She was an active volunteer especially at Wendy’s schools and local community centers for which she received recognition including a special award from Mayor Steven Juba. Dylis was a major part of Wendy’s baton twirling endeavors acting as director, costume designer and manager of Wendy’s baton groups.

A lady of style and grace as well as an avid shopper, Dylis was well known for her love of hats, fashion and jewellery. She cherished the family summer car trips which usually included attending baton contests. Dylis and Lloyd also enjoyed visiting family and friends on their travels to England, Wales, Bahamas, United States and many places in Canada.

In January of 2002 Dylis was diagnosed with Alzheimer Disease. Her family cared for her at home before her diagnoses until she required more care and assistance than they could provide in the home. In November of 2002, Dylis moved to Kildonan Personal Care Centre where she lived for 12 years. Kildonan became her home.

TO MY MOTHER

Thank you for your Overwhelming Love

That welcomed me into the world.

Thank you for your Warm Arms

That held me as an infant

Thank you for your Gentle Touch

That guided me as a child

Thank you for your Firm Words

That encouraged me as a teenager

Thank you for your Glowing Smile

That supported me as an adult.

Thank you for your Watchful Eyes

That protected me my whole life.

Thank you for your Wealth of Wisdom

That made me who I am today.

Your mind may not have been with me

As Alzheimer Disease tried to divide us,

But our bond will always be unbroken.

Our hearts and souls forever as one.

WENDY LOVES YOU

As per mom’s wishes cremation has taken place and a private interment will take place at a later date.

Thank you to the outstanding Kildonan staff who ensured this amazing women lived her final years with dignity, grace, respect and laughter in a safe and calm environment surrounded by kindness, compassion and understanding. Thank you also goes to our friends for being so supportive during Dylis’ difficult journey with Alzheimer Disease. On Christmas Eve Mom left us to reunite with Dad; together again forever.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Dylis’ name to the Alzheimer Manitoba, 120 Donald Street, Winnipeg, MB, R3C 4G2 or to a charity of your choice.