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DOROTHY JEAN BIDEWELL
Born: Jul 20, 1917
Date of Passing: Mar 26, 2014
Send Flowers to the Family Offer Condolences or MemoryDOROTHY JEAN BIDEWELL Dorothy Jean Bidewell died peacefully in her 97th year early in the morning of March 26, 2014 at Grace General Hospital. Dorothy was born July 20, 1917 in Dauphin MB, the second daughter of Llewellyn and Madeleine (Secord) Williamson. She went to school in Lintlaw, SK and Dauphin and graduated as a registered nurse from St. Anthony's Hospital in The Pas. After graduation, she worked in Manitoba for some time but soon left for Vernon, BC, which she considered "heaven on earth", and a job at the Vernon General Hospital. Dorothy loved nursing and often shared memories about the patients she cared for and the doctors and nurses she worked with. She joined the Canadian Army Medical Corps during the Second World War and served in Ontario. During this time, she met a tall, dark, handsome pharmacist, who had just returned from an overseas posting. She fell in love with Jack Bidewell and married him in Toronto in 1948. Jack and Dorothy moved to Iroquois Falls, ON, where daughters Frances and Laurie were born. Daughter Melanie, son Graeme and daughter Pamela were born at the old Grace Hospital after the family moved to Winnipeg. Dorothy was predeceased by her beloved Jack in 2006. Also by her parents, her sisters Laura Imrie and Helen Inverarity, and brothers Johnny and Archie. She is survived by her children Frances, Laurie Holmes (Larry) of Hanna, AB, Melanie, Graeme (Janice Duynisveld) and Pamela (Rick Kolesar), five grandchildren, Shannon McBride, Michael Holmes, Alexander, Robyn and Reid Kolesar, four great-grandchildren, her sister Florence Chute of Kelowna, BC, sisters-in-law Audrey Bidewell of Cambridge, ON and Queenie Williamson of Flin Flon, and many nieces and nephews. Our mother deeply loved her family, friends, home and community. She was deeply loved in return and will be sadly missed by her family and friends. Special thanks for the enduring love and support of her "Grace girls", Gianna, Connie, Karen and Karen. Much gratitude to the devoted doctors and staff of Grace Hospital Wards 3N and 5, home care workers, Dr. Andrew Jowett and his assistant Agnes and to all the others who supported her in her long and happy life. In accordance with Dorothy's wishes, no formal service will be held. A family gathering is planned in the spring to honour her memory. Instead of flowers, her family would appreciate donations to the Grace Hospital Foundation, 300 Booth Drive, Winnipeg, MB R3J 3M7. Wojcik's Winnipeg Funeral Chapel & Crematorium, 2157 Portage Ave., 204-897-4665, is in care of arrangements. wojciksfuneralchapel.com "The day is done and the darkness falls... And the night shall be filled with music." - Longfellow
As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 29, 2014
Condolences & Memories (11 entries)
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Melanie - you have my sincerest sympathy for the loss of your mother who I know was also your dear friend. My thoughts are with you. - Posted by: Tony Gilligan (Friend) on: Apr 28, 2014
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Dear Melanie. I am so sad to hear the news of your Mum's passing. I hope that you are comforted in knowing she lived a tremendous life and she is now free of pain and discomfort. Take care my friend. Lois and Razzle - Posted by: Lois Cowatd (Friend of Melanie) on: Apr 12, 2014
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Sorry to read of the passing of your Mom Mel. It's been too long. Thinking of you. - Posted by: Jim Walker (old friend of Mel's) on: Apr 07, 2014
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Dear Graeme: So sorry to hear of your Mom's passing. I always remember how good you were to both your parents. Your Mom and Dad are together once again. Bonnie & Fred. - Posted by: Bonnie & Fred Blanchette (Friends) on: Apr 04, 2014
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Graeme, sorry to hear of your mom's passing. Our deep condolences, Brenda and Bob Franz - Posted by: Brenda Franz (Friend) on: Apr 01, 2014
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Graeme and Janice, Sorry to hear of the loss of your Mum. Our thoughts are with at this time. Gord and Annie - Posted by: Gord McMillan (Friend from AC) on: Apr 01, 2014
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Dear Melanie, I am very sorry about the loss of your mother. She will always live on in your memory. Marlene Boersch - Posted by: Marlene Boersch (friend) on: Mar 31, 2014
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Through Frances, who I met when we were both young reporters, I eventually had the pleasure of knowing all the Bidewells, plus their assorted pets. Dorothy and Jack were truly wonderful people - the most splendid loving parents and grandparents I ever met, aside from my own. I shall always cherish the wonderful times I was blessed to be part of at the family home on Ainslie. It was filled with so much great love and kindness. - Posted by: Roger Currie (friend) on: Mar 30, 2014
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Just our heartfelt sympathy at the loss of your mom and gma. I thought Aunt Dorothy was a true lady. She portrayed such grace. Billy did get to see her a short while ago and as always we were impressed at her determination to continue to be so independent. Her love will always sustain you with her gentle smile and everlasting spirit - Posted by: Donna and Billy Williamson (Nephew) on: Mar 29, 2014
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Dear Graeme and Janice, Our condolences go out to you and your family at this time. - Posted by: Stephanie,Merrick, and Addisyn Chen (Janice's cousin) on: Mar 29, 2014
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GRAEME: sorry for your loss, my friend, your mom lived a long life compared to most.be now of GOOD courage. Lloyd Porcher. - Posted by: lloyd porcher (friend from A.C.) on: Mar 29, 2014
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