Obituary of DOROTHY JEAN JAMES

DOROTHY JEAN JAMES

The family of Dorothy Jean James announces her passing on September 8, 2018. 

She is survived by her loving husband of 65 years, Wilfred, 4 children; David (Gloria), Carolyn Townsend (Wayne), Kathy Requeima (Joel); George (Karin); and her eleven grandchildren; Jamie, Lauren, Mark, Victoria, Elizabeth, Andrew, Matthew, Jillian, Jacqueline, Alexander, Patrick and 10 great-grandchildren.  She is also remembered by her sister in-law and brother in-law Ruth and Allen Fowlis, nieces and nephews.  Dorothy was predeceased by her mother and father, George and Hazel Bedard and her brother Ken and sister in-law Francine Bedard.

Dorothy was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan.  She really was a city gal, teaching at Burroughs Business Machines.  Little did she know a defining moment was just around the corner that would change and shape her future in a most surprising way.  She met the love of her life, Wilfred, who happened to be a farmer from the prairies.  It took a brave person to leave urban USA and move to a (then) dairy farm, raise 4 children, and become ensconced in her rural community.  Dorothy first joined the Women’s Institute.  Then through her new friends in the farm community/Dugald area she became one of the first board members of the Dugald (now Canadian) Costume Museum.  During that time, she had an opportunity to meet the Queen who was on tour, and even though she was proud of her American heritage, she was delighted to share a few words with British royalty.  Dorothy was a leader in the local 4H Group for many years.  Dorothy and Wilfred were also members and made many friends at Transcona Memorial United Church.

There was no denying that Dorothy was passionate about the farm.  From bookkeeping to driving a combine, often with a child sitting on a stool in the cab with her, she was in her element.  In her later years she was delighted with the arrival of all her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.  There were many happy weekends at the Lake of the Woods cottage with family, food and fun.  She has left a legacy for us all to be proud of.

Our family wishes to extend our sincere thanks and grateful appreciation to her family physician Dr. Dennis Caners for his many years of excellent care and most recently, to the wonderful staff at River Ridge for their compassionate care and going beyond the call of duty to look after Dorothy.  We are most appreciative.

Funeral Service to be held on Wednesday, September 12, at 11:00 a.m. at Transcona Memorial United Church, 209 Yale Avenue West.

In lieu of flowers, if you so wish, donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Manitoba.