DOROTHY ETHEL SANGSTER (FORSYTH)

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DOROTHY ETHEL SANGSTER (nee FORSYTH) Loving mother of Elspeth, Ann Trimble, and Janice (Kevin) Coates, and proud grandmother to Sarah, Andrew and Adam Coates, passed away peacefully at Riverview Health Centre on March 15, 2006. She was predeceased by her parents, brothers and beloved husband, Edward (Ted) Millen Sangster. Dorothy was born in Winnipeg, June 8, 1918 to Charles Harkness Forsyth and Ethel Fanny Grieve. She lost her birth mother 2 weeks later to the great Flu epidemic. Her father married Hazel M. Andison and their family was completed with the birth of twin boys Charles and Don Forsyth. Dorothy attended Grosvenor and Gordon Bell schools and graduated from Riverbend School for Girls. She received her university education at Margaret Eaton School in Toronto. Her Phys Ed degree was the platform for her 40 year career teaching gym, dance, physical fitness and adjudicating festivals throughout rural Manitoba. Margaret Eaton was the beginning of many long lasting friendships for Dorothy, evidenced by her regular attendance of class reunions held across Canada, the last one being her 56th in 1997 in Winnipeg. As war broke out in 1939, Dorothy was on a train for Saskatoon accepting her first job with the YWCA, which was the beginning of a longstanding relationship with the Y, including a move to St. John, N.B. in 1941. When Ted arrived home from war, Dorothy accepted a position at the Provincial Normal School in Winnipeg, and they were married July 13, 1946. Together they built a beautiful home on McNaughton Avenue and raised three daughters - Elspeth, Ann, and Janice. In 1958, the family moved to Killarney, MB, a challenge at first thought, but a wonderful change of living and fit for the whole family's interest and growth. Dorothy became extremely active throughout the town - supporting Ted in the family store, teaching gym classes, assuming active roles in UCW, Eastern Star, the Horticultural Society, the Festival association; the Tri Lake Hospital Auxiliary; these and many other organizations benefited from her generous, capable and empathetic nature. Dorothy loved her summers, and spent early years teaching swimming, tennis, archery canoeing and acting as camp counsellor at many camps - her favourite being Treaty Point in Lake of the Woods. Later the love of the outdoors continued with golf and enjoying various lake life throughout Canada, but especially Killarney and Caddy Lake. At her 80th birthday celebration, Mom highlighted a quote There's nothing worth the wear of winning, but laughter and the love of friends . This underscores the broad scope of the many friendships she maintained throughout the world. She made friends easily and clearly valued their importance in her long, productive life. Dorothy was a loving wife, and the best Mom. Her zest for living and enthusiasm to tackle all challenges were admired by all of us. She was able to organize anything and everything. We always said of her, 'if you were dealt a lemon, you would be the first one to make lemonade (or marmalade) and serve it to everyone - whether they wanted it or not!' Mom's last 5 years were spent in Riverview Health Centre where she lived with dignity and received the most compassionate care one could imagine. She was comfortable and loved by all. As a family, we wish to thank all the staff on CD2 for their tremendous care and diligence with Mom. We are all so very grateful for your kindness and empathy. Our memories of the many walks throughout the Riverview neighbourhood and sitting silently in the beautiful atrium will long be with us. Her family life came full circle. Period, Amen . A service will be held on Monday, March 20 at 1:30 p.m. at Westminster United Church, 745 Westminster St. Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolence at www.chapellawn.mb.ca A celebration of Dorothy's life will also be held in Killarney on her birthday, June 8, 2006. Remembrances may be made to CD2 Riverview Health Centre Foundation, One Morley Ave. Winnipeg, MB, R3L 2P4 or the Killarney United Church Building Fund, Killarney, MB R0K 1G0 in Dorothy's memory. CHAPEL LAWN FUNERAL HOME AND RECEPTION CENTRE 885-9715

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 18, 2006