It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Dorothy May Gilchrist (Cherry), age 89, on Thursday, July 23, 2020. Dorothy, fondly known as Dot, was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and friend, and will be greatly missed by her son Murray (Loriana), grandchildren Brittany (Ryan), Lindsay (Eric), and Dustin, great-grandchildren Liliana, Jackson, and Emilia, her brother Jim (Kathy), and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. She was predeceased by her husband Chuck Connor, her son Russell, and husband Douglas Gilchrist.
Dorothy was born in Trail, BC and spent much of her life in the Kootenays and Okanagan. She was living in Trail when she married Chuck Connor in 1951, and shortly after they started a family together. They had two sons, Murray and Russell, born in 1958 and 1960, respectively. After an accident in 1965, Chuck passed away. Dorothy was strong, determined, and independent, working full time while taking care of her boys. Several years later her heart was won over by a strapping young gentleman named Doug Gilchrist. They were married on Valentine’s Day in 1970.
Upon retirement Dorothy and Doug briefly moved to Christina Lake before settling in Kelowna. They spent the majority of their remaining years there and always loved when their grandkids would come to visit. Dorothy carefully planned out itineraries tailored to each of her grandkids’ interests, including; Kelowna Rockets hockey games, trips to Barkerville, and Elvis Presley impersonator concerts. She spent an immeasurable amount of time at beaches, waterparks, and amusement parks with the kids. One of their fondest memories was when Dorothy and Doug came with them to Disneyland. After walking all over the park they convinced Dorothy to join them on the Indiana Jones ride. Immediately afterwards she informed us that “Grandma does not do rides that have seatbelts”.
During Dorothy’s retirement she was able to focus on many things that she was passionate about. She was an avid card player and participated in bridge leagues. She was very crafty and would make cross-stitched artwork, paper butterflies, shadow box flowers, ceramics and rugs. Many of her creations were very special to her and are still put on display by her surviving family. Dorothy also loved to travel, and often drove down to Mexico with Doug in their motorhome. Dorothy would immerse herself in the culture and make a point of getting to know the locals around where they would stay. She would often buy groceries for families in need because at her core she was a kind-hearted and generous person.
A few years back, Doug and Dorothy moved back to Trail to be closer to their family. After living in a townhome for a few years, Dorothy made the move to Castle Wood. She was welcomed by the community and quickly made new friends that shared her interests. Dorothy was an amazing woman who made a positive impact on the lives that crossed her path. She will be greatly missed by her remaining family.
An intimate service will be held at the end of the summer where Dorothy will be laid to rest with her husband Doug. Jamie Tarron of Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements.
As an expression of sympathy, donations in Dorothy’s name may be made to the Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Health Foundation at 1200 Hospital Bench, Trail, BC, V1R 4M1 or online at www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca
The family would like to thank the staff and residents at Castlewood that spent time with Dorothy and enriched her life over the past few months. Things have been difficult for everyone in 2020, and it has been especially hard for families that are separated due to public health concerns and safety protocols. While we are sad that we couldn’t spend as much time with Dorothy as we would have liked, we find comfort in knowing that she was not alone.
You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Dorothy May Gilchrist July 23rd 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Trail, Province: Colombie britanique
Murray, Loriana & Family….
Ron & I enjoyed having your mom as a neighbor for a few short years and would enjoy her shared stories and glass of wine. When you lose someone very precious no one else can really know all that you feel but my caring thoughts and condolences are with you and the family at this time.
Jean Healey.