DOROTHY MARY KEDDIE (BAKER)

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DOROTHY MARY KEDDIE (nee BAKER) Dorothy Mary (nee Baker) Keddie, beloved wife of the late Basil Keddie, died peacefully at Central Park Lodge, Brandon, on Tuesday, March 28, 2000 at the age of 94 years. Dorothy was born in Liverpool, England on March 2, 1906, the third child of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Baker. The family lived in Market Drayton, England and Neyland, South Wales where Dorothy received her schooling and teachers training. In 1924, Dorothy came to Canada and taught in Mansonville, Que., before moving to MacKay Residential School at The Pas, Man. It was at The Pas that she met Basil Keddie. They were married at Christ Church in The Pas in 1935. Basil and Dorothy started their married life in Flin Flon where Basil was a partner in Keddie Hardware. In 1972, they retired to Brandon but for many summers, they returned to their cottage at Denare Beach, Sask. Dorothy touched many lives in many ways. A gifted conversationalist and a faithful correspondent, she made lifelong friends wherever she went. Although devoted to her family, Dorothy was also a leader in many community groups. During the Second World War, Dorothy and Millie Wright organized the Allied Relief Club. Following the war, she helped raise funds to rebuild Europe, culminating in the 1951 Bread for Greece Drive. Following the Hungarian Revolution, the Keddie household became a classroom for Hungarian immigrants where Dorothy taught English to both adults and children. Dorothy was also instrumental in organizing the Overture Concert program. The long hours and countless telephone calls that she devoted to this initiative brought top calibre performing artists from across North America to Flin Flon. Dorothy maintained a lifelong interest in the development of the north and was a strong supporter of the Port of Churchill as a member of the Hudson Bay Route Association. Although primarily interested in the expansion of this port for imports and exports, she served as an informal cultural ambassador to the many cruise ship passengers who visited Hudson Bay in the 1980s. Her chief interest was always the Anglican Church. She was appointed Deanery President of the St. James. W.A. in Flin Flon and she held this position for 30 years. After moving to Brandon, Dorothy was elected President of the Diocesan W.A. and during this time, was honoured with a Life Membership. For the 100th Anniversary of the Ecclesiastical Conference of Rupertsland, she organized a Tri Cultural Conference of W.A. women in Yellowknife, N.W.T. Dorothy was also very interested in politics and was honoured with a life membership in the Progressive Conservative Party. Dorothy is lovingly remembered by her sister Peg (Roy) brother Hugh (Mabs) of England; son David (Betsy) and their children, Greg and Dorothys only great-grandson Justin and Alison (Jeff) Bodner of Winnipeg; son Stephen (Evelyn) and their daughters, Corrine and Gwendolyn of Calgary; daughter Diane (Harvey) Fleming of Regina and their daughters, Heather of Radville, Sask. and Brenda (Keith) Niedermaier of Denare Beach; son Andrew (Susan) of Edmonton, Alta.; as well as many nieces and nephews. The family would like to say a very special thank you to Dorothys niece Norma and husband Cal Bristol of Brandon. Dorothy was predeceased by her parents; and brothers, Arnold, John, Harry and Jim. A celebration of Dorothys life will be held at St. Matthews Anglican Cathedral, 403 - 13th St., Brandon, on Tuesday, April 4 at 2:00 p.m., with the Very Rev. Jim Njegovan officiating. Interment to follow in the Brandon Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, gifts of remembrance may be made to the St. Matthews Cathedral Memorial Fund, 403 - 13th St., Brandon, Man. R7A 4P9, would be appreciated. Arrangements are in care of Brockie Donovan, Brandon, 1-800-897-5694.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 01, 2000