Dorothy CRAWFORD

Dorothy Crawford, born February 14, 1920, a long-time resident of the Parksville area passed away peacefully at the Gardens in Qualicum Beach on December 31, 2018 surrounded by her family.

Predeceased by her husband Charles, she will be dearly missed by her son and daughters, Jim (Theresa) Crawford of White Rock,  Kathryn (Daryl) McLane of Parksville, Dorothy (Jim) Douglas of Parksville and Mary-Jean(Gordon) Wright of Parksville, and her loving grandchildren  John (Lisa) Crawford of Vancouver, Carolyn (Scott) Clark of Nanaimo, Andrew McLane of Parksville, Cassie Wright of Nanaimo, Laura (Mark) Solowoniuk of Nanoose Bay, Rebecca (Tomas) Heraty of Parksville, Scott Fraser of Calgary, Paisley (Graeme) Hendrik of Campbell River,  and her growing number of great grandchildren. 

Dorothy’s life began in Poland.  The family immigrated to Canada when Dorothy was 9 years old.  Gunton Manitoba became their new home where Dorothy, the eldest of 8 siblings, grew up until her move to Winnipeg in her teens. Shortly after the war Dorothy headed to the west coast, getting a job in a bakery in Vancouver. She spoke of the fun she and her girlfriends had there.   She met her husband Charlie, and they spent the early years of their marriage in Vancouver before Charles accepted a position with a bulk oil plant in Nanaimo.  

Family was the focus of Dorothy’s life.  Having everyone home and well fed made her day.  Her energy seemed to be limitless.  Her house was spotless, her garden large and well cared for.  She was known to be gracious and generous of her time and especially her skills with her baking and cooking.  Her pastry was perfect and made with love.  No matter when people came through her door she would be sure they were all well fed before they left, and often were sent home with a care package of food.  There was always space at the table for another friend or four that her children would bring home. 

Dorothy and her husband were very active with the United Church in Nanaimo and worked hard with the congregation to establish and build Brechin United. 

The place they loved most though was Parksville where they had a summer cabin.  They moved there permanently in 1969 and build their dream home and again became busy within the community.  As the job of raising a family eased Dorothy enjoyed working as a sales clerk, with her favorite position helping brides pick out the perfect dress.  Often she would take off her own strand of pearls placing them on the bride to be to get the right affect.  Those pearls walked out the door more than once but were always returned.  Dorothy remained very active in the church and will be missed by members at Arbutus Grove.

We would like to thank the staff at the Gardens in Qualicum for the care and love that they gave to our mother over her time with them.  Their kindness and compassion was greatly appreciated.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, January 10th, 2019 at Arbutus Grove Church 170 Hirst Ave, Parksville B.C. at 2:30 pm with refreshments following in the lounge. 

In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice.

Lives Cherished and Celebrated