DOLORES TERESE BLANCHE WILLIAMS (RADFORD)

Adjust Text Size: A+ A-

DOLORES TERESE BLANCHE WILLIAMS (nee RADFORD) With much sorrow, we announce the passing of our mother and grandmother on August 30, 2004. Mom was 73. Born to Nina and Harold Radford on October 3, 1930, in St. Boniface, MB, Dolores received her education in Winnipeg at St. Josephs Academy for twelve years and the University of Manitoba where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1951. Dolores worked for The Nutty Club as a student. Her career as a mustard jar filler was short-lived when the assembly line with the jars she was supposed to fill got ahead of her and ended up all over the floor. She found greater success working at the Red Cross Blood Donor Clinic for two years after university. She married in 1953, six months after meeting her husband Irwin through close friends. During their first date, Dad locked his keys in the car while they attended the stock car races. Mom decided then and there this guy needed taking care of and was by his side until he passed away four years ago. After 17 blissful years being married, raising three children, volunteering at Mapes Community Club and Regent Park Elementary School, driving to dance lessons, hockey games and swimming lessons, Mom decided it was time to do something for herself. She spent the next 13 years working as the librarian at Wayota School in Transcona where she found a warm place in the hearts of all her students and colleagues. Dolores was predeceased by her husband Irwin, her parents Nina and Harold Radford and infant sister Connie. Left to mourn her are her children, Neil (Janice) Williams of Halifax, Ian (Judy) Williams of Los Angeles and Lynne (Kent) Church of Winnipeg; and sister Jocelyn (Bill) Smyth of Toronto. Dolores was especially proud of her seven grandchildren, Katherine, Mairi and Tyson of Halifax, Leanne and Lindsay of Los Angeles and Sam and Darby of Winnipeg. Kindness and quiet strength were the threads that wove into Dolores life as she cared for and worried about family, friends, her community and her work. She will be remembered for her compassion, wisdom and open ear that was ready and waiting to be there for anyone who needed to talk. Dolores was always quick to smile and chuckle at the smallest bits of news no matter how ordinary, no matter how trivial. Her love for gadgets and disdain for expiry dates will be a source of many fond chuckles in the years to come. One of Moms favourite things besides touring the countryside with Irv in their car with or without a tent trailer attached was to have friends and family around. Whether for card games, formal Sunday dinner or a pick-up supper of Dals chicken and pizza, she made room for anyone and everyone. One of Moms hallmarks was making food that she would never eat like dill pickles, spaghetti sauce and Dals chicken and pizza. What she loved best was talking and laughing with family and friends, crocheting, reading, playing cards and travelling by car with Irv. During her many struggles with chronic health problems, Dolores had many wonderful helping hands supporting and caring for her. The family thanks them all. At Dolores request, cremation has taken place. A memorial service will be held Saturday, September 4, 2004, 11:00 a.m. at the Lutheran Church of Good Shepherd, 401 Kildare Ave. West (corner of Kildare and Madeline) with interment to follow. In lieu of flowers, friends may wish to make a donation to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, the Kidney Foundation or a charity of their choice. The Desjardins Funeral Chapel in care of arrangements, 233-4949 or toll free at 1-888-233-4949. Family and friends are invited to sign the Book of Condolences at www.obitbulkloaduariestoday.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 04, 2004