THOMSON, Dorothy Kathleen

October 6, 1917 — October 25, 2013

Dorothy faded away quietly on October 25, 2013. She was predeceased by her husband, Harold, and her son, Gary. She is survived by her children Sheron Johnson, Duane (Carol), Sandi Harder (David), Brenda Dalzell (Bill), Wendy (Gord), Bradley, 19 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and one great, great grandchild.

“Dot” was born to Jack and Maisy Hagerman in Calgary and raised in Claresholm, AB. She met Harold in Calgary; they married in 1937 and moved to Oyama, where they raised their family. In 1964 Harold, Dot and Duane purchased the Rawsthorne property on Kalamalka Lake and developed the Halfway House Resort, later to become Klub Kalamalka with new owners, Sandi and David Harder. Dot thrived there, bringing it alive with her sunny attitude and her gardening skills. After Harold’s death and with the onset of macular degeneration, Dot moved to Woodsdale Place, then to the Lake Country Manor, and to Coté Place. Losing her vision cramped her style but not her spirit. She was supported by many friends, most notably Murna Tracy and Anita Baker. In the end, she was lovingly cared for by her family and by Dave and Sandra Elke at Homestead Place, assisted by Interior Health and the palliative team.

Dot was a provider and caregiver extraordinaire. She sewed, knit, cooked, baked and she preserved whatever grew plentifully in the Okanagan. Dot fostered numerous children. She grew flowers and vegetables and built rockeries and waterfalls, always beautifying her surroundings. She enjoyed singing in the United Church choir and with the Lake Country Songsters. She always felt fortunate to enjoy her friends, family and caregivers. Dot inspired all who knew her, her family and her many friends. She was Grandma Dot to many.

A celebration of her life will be held on April 19^th, 2014 at 2:00 in the Oyama Community Hall.  If you wish to send a condolence, post photos or share a memory, please scroll down the page to the area called “Share Your Condolences.”