DOROTHY HELEN MACFARLANE (PRIMMER)

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DOROTHY HELEN MACFARLANE (nee PRIMMER) Dorothy Helen MacFarlane passed away on Friday, February 1, 2008 at the Riverview Health Centre, in her 89th year. Dorothy will be lovingly remembered by her son Keith (Nila) and daughter Audrey (Thompson) and by her beloved grandchildren Laurel, Graham, Kyle and Neil. Dorothy is survived by her brother-in-law Frank, sisters-in-law, Bunty and Norah, and much-loved nieces and nephews. Dorothy lived life as it was presented to her with acceptance, grace and courage. Dorothy's life paralleled that of many women of her generation born on the prairies. She grew up on a farm, shared the farm chores and rode a horse to school. Dorothy became a teacher, fell in love with a soldier and raised a family. Life was not always kind to Dorothy. Her father died when she was still a baby leaving her mother to run the farm and raise four children. She had to leave her family and farm-life to move to the city where she lived with a strict maiden aunt so that she could complete her education. Her home was flooded in the 1950 flood. Dorothy lost her youngest son, Lorne, to cancer, a shadow that she always carried. Later in life, she cared for her husband, Doug, as he succumbed to diabetes and then finally, she endured the devastation of cancer. Through these trials, she may have been bent by life but she was never broken. Her strength came from a practical view of the world: you accept what life has given you, keep your worries to yourself, work hard, and live in faith. Dorothy's reserved demeanor belied her sense of fun, wit and energy. She was quick to laugh with a sense of humour that was gentle and supportive. Dorothy had a generous independent mind. She had definite opinions but shared them with humility. Dorothy was a learner all her life. She loved to work at her Apple computer to research her family tree and email friends and grandchildren, and would work assiduously on the weekly cryptic crossword. The world was a place of wonder for her. She loved the miracle of birds and studied and recorded the flowers she found at the Whiteshell cottage. Together with Doug, Dorothy traveled the world. She was always ready for adventure, from Europe in the 1960's, to freighter travel, to hiking the Milford Track when she was in her 60s. She was an excellent cook mistress of the dinner roll. She managed her household with efficiency and flair. Her artistic talents were evident in the elegance of her home. Dorothy lived her life with decency to all, and with a deep love for her family. A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 8 at 2:00 p.m. in Thomson In the Park Funeral Home, 1291 McGillivray Blvd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Riverview Health Centre, CancerCare Manitoba, or a charity of choice.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 05, 2008