Dorothy Tomlinson was a very special individual that lived a life filled with Love, Joy and Passion. It is with the deepest sorrow that the family announces her passing in Edmonton on August 1, 2021.
Dorothy and Jack were blessed with 70 years of marriage, sons Wayne (Dianne), Raymond (Shirley), daughter Beverly Ridsdale; grandchildren Jennifer (Brian) Mendieta, Jonathan, Jacqui (Clay) Vikse, Kim Robertson, Sara and Joleen Ridsdale; and great grandchildren Elianna, Taya, Adelaide, Ingrid, Claira, Jack, and Natalie.
Dorothy was the fourth of six children born to Robert and Hazel Little. She was predeceased by her husband Jack, brothers George (Marge), Elmer (Clara Mae), Mervin, and sisters Irene (Stan), and Annie (Jake). Mervin’s wife Sharon Little is the last surviving spouse.
Dorothy is lovingly remembered by her family. She loved to spend time with her family and friends. Travel was a big part of her life, as well as knitting, line dancing, crafts, golf, and spending winters in Yuma AZ.
Dorothy was born in Richlea Saskatchewan and at the age of 4 her family moved to Chocolate Valley just south of Pierceland, Saskatchewan, where they lived in a sod roofed log house. The story goes that when it rained outside it would rain inside for several days after. Several years later they moved a few miles east to the little family farm, after a few years that log house was replaced with a lovely big house with modern conveniences such as a gas washing machine. Farm life involved a lot of hard work but also a lot of fun. There were dances, ball games, and picnics. Dorothy remembers playing the bar guitar while her father played the violin, accordion, and the Jew’s harp. Sunday was special as there was homemade ice cream and there was always someone dropping in for a visit.
In 1945, at the age of 17, Dorothy went to Lloydminster and took a business course while staying with family friends. She then went to work in the L.I.D. office in Loon Lake where she worked until she married Jack in 1950. Dorothy worked as the school secretary in Cold Lake from 1966 till the school closed in 1970. That same year she and Jack moved to Devon and Dorothy again got employment at the Devon High School where she worked until 1983 when Jack was posted to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia.
While raising their family Jack and Dorothy spent the winter’s curling and bonspieling, and there were numerous trophies that attested to her skill as a curler. Summer weekends were spent at the cottage at Loon Lake, there was always a stop for a coffee and a visit at Irene or Annie’s in Pierceland coming or going to the cottage. Dorothy loved when she and Jack would take their truck and camper, fifth wheel or motorhome and go out on golf weekends with their friends.
The work in Malaysia provided the opportunity for world travel where Dorothy and Jack visited many neighboring countries in Asia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, Europe, and Fiji. Dorothy loved to shop and Kuala Lumpur provided a wealth of opportunities for this passion. To get around while Jack was out on the offshore rigs, Dorothy learned to drive a car with a standard transmission with a righthand drive and get around in the busy city traffic.
Following retirement, she and Jack bought a motorhome and they toured across Canada and around much of the USA. They purchased a lot in Yuma Arizona and set up a Park Model which became their winter home away from home for almost 30 years. A wealth of memories came from all the times spent with the close friends they made in Yuma at happy hours, golf, potluck dinners, shuffleboard, or time at the pool. Dorothy led the line dancing group for many years, and you could find her at the pool doing aquacise each morning.
As a Master of Culinary delights, Dorothy spoiled all who came to sit at her table. Sunday suppers were a tradition even after the kids left home.
All members of the family displayed her wonderful, knitted creations and the beautiful crafts created by her hands.
Dorothy lived life to it’s fullest, and for that we are all blessed with the memories of special times spent with her.
Serenity Funeral Service (South) 780-450-0101
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of TOMLINSON Dorothy Lila August 1 2021..
Death notice for the town of: Edmonton, Province: Alberta