July 19, 1930 - February 23, 2021
We are deeply saddened to announce Dorothy's passing, as she wished, at home in Lytton.
Dorothy was born in North Vancouver. The family moved to Ocean Falls when she was 3 and she had fond memories of her time there. They moved to Boothroyd when Dorothy was 11.
One of her clearest memories was seeing farm animals for the first time. The family later moved to Botanie Valley north of Lytton where she first met Lloyd Dodge who lived on the nearby McKay Ranch. She was 17 when they eloped and were married by Reverend Stanley Higgs on May 8, 1948 at Christ Church Cathedral in Vancouver. The signing witnesses on their marriage certificate were Ruby Seward and Bill Shaw.
Dorothy's life has been one of unwavering service to the community as evidenced by her involvement with the Hospital Auxiliary, the Legion, the Lytton Museum and the care and maintenance of the Lytton Cemetery, to mention just a few.
In 2005 Dorothy was presented the British Columbia Community Achievement Award by Premier Gordon Campbell. As a secretary and librarian at the Lytton Elementary and Kumsheen High Schools she had a profound influence on many students who fondly remember her. As her niece Debbie wrote "It will be impossible to forget someone who gave us so much to remember."
To the very end Dorothy maintained her sense of humor. Recently, she told of the time that her and Myrtle Loring were left at the McKay ranch house while a hunting party went out for the day. They were both good shots with a .22 and decided to shoot some rats in the barn. When the hunting party returned Vic Loring asked them what had been going on in the barn. They said they had been shooting rats and Vic replied "You didn't have to put all the bullets in one rat!"
Mom and Dad did extensive travelling in their retirement. They went to Alaska, the Maritimes, Hawaii, Australia, Kenya, China, the Galapagos, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Japan. A favorite part of their journeys was getting back home to Lytton to share their stories and experiences with friends and family.
Dorothy is survived by her children Doug (Sharron), Dale (Roberta), and Carrie (Pat); grandchildren Kim (David), Amber, Susan (Tanner), Brent (Karmin), Chris (Mia), Graham, Ryan (Amanda) and Christopher (Trista); great grandchildren Seth, Nico, Ty, Emelia, Ivy, Nate, Jeremiah, Ava, Dylan, Jackson, Tatum and Jagger; and her beloved cat Cleo aka "Bub".
There will be a private graveside service for immediate family. Family and friends are invited to join in spirit by raising a glass to Dorothy. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to the Lytton Hospital Auxiliary, the Lytton Museum, the Lytton Legion or a charity of your choice.
Mom is now dancing with Dad to the Tennessee Waltz.