DOROTHY DEASON (MOAR)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DOROTHY DEASON (nee MOAR) Dorothy Grace Deason of Victoria, formerly of Winnipeg, died February 9, 2008 at Victoria General Hospital. She was 78 and had suffered a series of strokes. Dorothy leaves an abundance of loyal friends and relatives who were inspired by her optimism, generosity and good humour. Dorothy was born in the Norway House area of Manitoba on September 13, 1929. She grew up, with her older sister Gertrude, in a loving foster home in Winnipeg, and attended Norberry and Glenlawn schools. She belonged to the St. Vital United Church Youth Group. As a young woman she excelled in swimming and speedskating; her team from the Winnipeg Canoe Club won a national championship in the war canoe. After secretarial college, she worked for the federal government. In 1956 she joined the Department of External Affairs and worked in Ottawa, at the United Nations in New York, and in Oslo. Later she spent more than two decades as an executive secretary at Hudson's Bay Wholesale in Winnipeg. Then she was executive secretary to Sharon Carstairs, Leader of the Opposition in the Manitoba Legislature. Her distinguished 33 year career in the Royal Canadian Naval Reserve began at HMCS Chippawa in 1951. She proudly represented the Wrens and Canada at the Coronation in 1953. Dorothy was promoted rapidly, and became a Chief Petty Officer First Class. Dorothy served in many regions of Canada, training a generation of young Wrens. In 1979 she was invested in the Order of Military Merit. She was a long-time member of the Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund. In 1969 Dorothy married Duane Deason and they raised his children together. Duane died in 1996, and her stepson Garth died in 2007. Dorothy moved to Victoria in 1999 and enjoyed the ensuing years as a member of the Newcomers' Club, the Women's Canadian Club, the Legion, and the Chiefs and Petty Officers Association (of which she was secretary). Dorothy was predeceased by her foster siblings, Eva, Beverley and Irene. Dorothy is survived by her stepchildren, Dawn (Gord) Turcan, Scott Deason and Darren Deason; her grandchildren, Jen and Dave Turcan; her niece, Joanne (Don) McLeod; her grand-niece, Emma McLeod; and her nephew and godson, Jim Hooper. A memorial service will be held at Sands Funeral Chapel, 1803 Quadra Street, Victoria, BC on Monday, February 18, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow in the Arbor Reception Centre. In lieu of flowers, a donation to the Royal Canadian Naval Benevolent Fund or a charity of choice would be welcomed. Sands of Victoria 250-388-5155

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Feb 13, 2008