Obituary of Dorothy Stanley

STANLEY: Dorothy May Stanley of Brandon, peacefully passed away at Fairview Home, on July 20, 2015 at the age of 99 years. Dorothy was born in Brandon on January 8, 1916, to Thomas and Ethel Horobin. She was predeceased by her parents, her beloved husband Gordon Stanley, her brothers Thomas, Bert, and Howard Horobin, and sister Grace Bryant. She will be lovingly remembered by her daughter Joan (Bill) Dickson, son Raymond Stanley, grandchildren Heather (Mark) Linski, Scott (Amanda) Dickson, Denise Unrau, Barry (Barb) Stanley, Diana (Jason) Morgan, 13 great-grandchildren and four great-great- grandchildren. She is also survived by her sister Peggy (Richard) Brickwood, brother-in-law Ken (Elsie) Stanley, sister- in -law Helen Stanley, as well as many nieces and nephews. Dot lived a long and fulfilled life, she grew up, was educated, and raised her family in Brandon, and was always proud to call herself a Brandon girl. As a young girl, Dot was a mothers' helper in several homes, and maintained friendships with these families for many years after. She met her future husband Gordon while employed at his sister Louella's café, a well-known establishment, Trent's Café in Brandon. They were married in 1939, and started their life together at the outbreak of WW2. Daughter Joan was born in 1940, and son Raymond in 1947. Dot was a homemaker for many years, and then in 1964, joined the workforce again as a receptionist at the Brandon Clinic Laboratory, until retirement in 1979. She loved this position and the friendships she made with all her co-workers there. Dot was also a faithful member of St. Mary's Anglican Church, and a member of the Women's Auxiliary for many years. Her St. Mary's "Family" was very important to her and was maintained all her life. She was also a member of the Rebekah Lodge, a women's branch of the IOOF, and participated in the organizations' many service activities, and became Noble Grand when she was in her early 80's. Dot loved to curl, golf, dance and to travel. She was an adventurous traveller, visiting Great Britain several times, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, Florida, New York City, and across Canada, and many other points in the US. She even took a train trip to Churchill to see the polar bears and beluga whales by herself in her 80's. She was a volunteer at the Daly House, and frequently attended symphony and other performances at the Western Centennial Auditorium. She led a very active and productive life. She joined Gordon with his farming activities and enjoyed raising Arabian horses on their farm. She took a great interest in the activities of her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, always supportive and loving, sharing her warmth and kindness to all. They all loved and will miss their Grandma Dot and her special smile. Dot was a caring and compassionate person, close to her family and friends. She enjoyed visiting and spending time at her cottage at Clear Lake and at the farm. A Celebration of Dorothy's life was held at the Brockie Donovan Chapel on Friday, July 24, 2015. Interment followed at Rosewood Memorial Gardens. The family wishes to thank all the dedicated staff who cared for Dorothy over the past few years at Hillcrest and Fairview Homes. They provided wonderful and compassionate care. Many thanks also to Canon Joy Ruddock for the beautiful, meaningful service. Donations in memory of Dorothy may be made to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, 4B-457-9th Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 1K2 or to St. Mary's Anglican Church, 401-1st Street, Brandon, MB, R7A 2W8. Those We Cherish Will Live On In Our Memories.