Obituary of DOROTHY FRANCES MULDER

DOROTHY FRANCES MULDER

May 17, 1920 – April 20, 2025

After 104 years on this earth, on April 20, 2025, the spirit of Dorothy Frances Mulder (nee Campbell) took flight.

An extraordinary life lived in extraordinary times. Dorothy was born in 1920 and had her character shaped as a youth spent in rural Saskatchewan during the Great Depression, followed by World War II where she trained and worked as a nurse. Despite a 2 year-long interruption in her training as a result of falling ill with tuberculosis, she recovered and returned to complete her training, commencing on a long and decorated career in that profession. Her path led her into the field of psychiatric nursing, where she would care for some of society’s most vulnerable people, doing so with the deepest compassion for the sufferings of others. Children held the key to her heart.

Dorothy’s talents extended far beyond the hospital room. Writing poetry with her love of language, sensitivity and wit. She enjoyed painting landscapes with her love of nature and trees or playing the piano for her love of music; Dorothy was a Renaissance Woman, with a deep appreciation for simple beauty. She also had a very practical realistic view of the world and keen sense of humour, often entertaining listeners by telling clever jokes and anecdotes. She had an interest in things like politics (a proud lifelong supporter of the NDP), and acquiring skills as an avid Bridge player. She loved to create, using any bit of material that would otherwise be discarded.

Making the move from Saskatchewan to Manitoba, she met and married Max Mulder.  A Dutch immigrant with a head for business and politics. She took a hiatus from nursing to raise their two daughters, Andrea and Deanna and assisting Max in his career endeavors. Eventually returning to nursing, Dorothy worked at Seven Oaks Hospital in Winnipeg for the remainder of her career, retiring at the age of 75.

Dorothy was predeceased by husband Max; brothers Malcom, Duncan, and Gordon Campbell; parents Malcolm and Margery Campbell; son-in-law Randy Kapkey; nieces Jane Campbell and Leslie Bushman, sisters-in-law and former son-in-law Dennis Bruneau.

She is survived by daughters Andrea Kapkey (Randy-deceased) and Deanna Rohrer (Skip); grandchildren Grace and Alex Kapkey (Brittany); great-grandchildren Hannah and Max Kapkey; extended grandchild Tahva Wylie (Steve); extended great-grandchildren Talia, Reid and Tatum Wylie and numerous nieces and nephews.

Special thanks to the staff of Extendicare Kildonan for their assistance and kindness to our Mum and family during her time there.

Mum had the most beautiful, purest soul and is with her dear loved ones in Heaven.

Until we meet again. Mum, your beauty, grace and intelligence will live on forever.

“I shall pass this way but once. Therefore, any good that I can do and any kindness that I can show, let me do it now, for I shall not pass this way again.”