Dorothy Day

Dorothy Day, of Dauphin, Manitoba, passed away on Wednesday, October 23, 2024, at the age of 93 years.

Dorothy’s entry into the world was a very tense time. Her birth was 6 weeks premature; she weighed 4 lbs and was born at home (there was no hospital in Carberry at that time). Dorothy spent much of her first weeks in the warming oven of their kitchen cook stove.

Dorothy was the youngest (by 11 years) of six children born to Thomas and Florence Lee. She spent all her childhood and school years in Carberry. She was a hardworking and successful student and graduated from Carberry Highschool in 1949. Her mother hoped she would stay in Carberry and find a job. Dorothy had other plans. She was going to be a teacher. A year at normal school was financially impossible but she discovered an alternative. A six-week “crash course” in Winnipeg and a year of permit teaching. From the schools needing a teacher she picked Hallboro a grade 1-8 one room school. It was a difficult year.

The next year she used her savings plus a small amount borrowed from her family to go to Normal School. It was a great year, living in residence, attending classes and making many life-long friendships which were renewed at several reunions. Her teaching career included schools in Alexander, Minto, Brandon and Flin Flon. Following her years at Flin Flon she took a year off to care for her ailing mother. She then returned to teaching in Dauphin. In 1987 Dorothy ended a very long and rewarding teaching career. She had conferred upon her a lifelong membership to RTAM.

1987 saw another change in Dorothy’s life, she and Lorne were married in St. Paul’s Anglican church and Dorothy assumed the role of wife, homemaker, gardener, animal caregiver and farm helper.

From her early childhood Dorothy had a special way with pets. A large dog, Buster, from down the street would visit the Lee home. Dorothy gave him rides in her wagon or they would sit together as she told him stories. Other pets followed.  In 1988 she and Lorne got Matt. He became her companion and confidant. They hiked, skied and talked together on the rock.  Dorothy’s last pet was Kitty.

Dorothy travelled with family and friends to many places in Canada and the USA. She visited family in England and Australia and had many ski trips with family and friends. On her trips she always collected material to be used in her teaching.

The Anglican church was always an important part of her life. She attended church with family, Sunday school, choir, ACW and served on church boards in several places where she taught.

Throughout her life Dorothy participated in many sports including tennis, curling, badminton, hiking, orienteering and cross country and downhill skiing. In all sports her emphasis was on participation, enjoyment, comradeship rather than competition.

Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, her siblings Winnie, Bob, Harry, Edna, and Eric and great-nephew Dylon. She is survived by 10 nephews and nieces, 16 great-nephews and nieces, 4 grandchildren and her loving husband Lorne.

Dorothy’s family wishes to thank all who provided comfort and care for Dorothy including Drs. Menard and Mathison, pastors Barry Nadolny and Frances Stewart and those at DPCH.

A Funeral Service will be held for Dorothy on Tuesday, November 12, 2024, at 1:30 P.M. from St. Paul's Anglican Church in Dauphin, Manitoba, with Reverend Barry Nadolny officiating.

The service will be livestreamed for those unable to attend, and can be watched here.

Should friends so desire donations in Dorothy's memory may be made to St. Paul's Anglican Church.

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