Dorothy Isobel Wylie (nee Steenson)

March 29, 1917 – April 18, 2009

The morning sun shone brightly in Victoria as our dear Dorothy left us to join her beloved husband Laird. She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by her loving son, Don; her daughter, Barbara Ann (Trevor Haigh); adoring grandchildren, Debra, Deanna and George and special great grandchildren Ben, Dylan and Shae. Dorothy is also survived by her dear sisters, Evelyn Ingram and Elva Jane Wilby, both residing in Calgary; sister-in-law Margaret Wylie (Sidney, BC) and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Dorothy was born in East Kildonan, MB, the third child of George and Elizabeth Steenson. The family later moved to Manitou, MB. Dorothy was the middle child of four siblings (Don, Margaret, Evelyn and Elva Jane). Over the years, Dorothy and her brother and sisters enjoyed wonderful family gatherings, filled with music and laughter. Dorothy graduated from Nursing at the Victoria General Hospital in Winnipeg, MB. She married Dr. H. Laird Wylie at Young United Church in Winnipeg on May 18, 1942. Son, Don was born in Winnipeg in 1944. The family moved to Unity, SK, and in 1947, their daughter, Barbara Ann was born. In 1953, Dorothy and her family moved to Cranbrook, BC, where she and Laird raised their children and began to enjoy retirement. Dorothy was involved in many activities such as curling, fishing, bridge, Lady Lions, choir and many other events at the Cranbrook United Church, as well as enjoying time with family & friends at the Moyie Lake cottage. In 1994, Dorothy and Laird moved to Victoria, BC. After Laird passed away in January 2000, Dorothy bravely carried on at her residence at the Wellesley. She made friends easily, and thoroughly enjoyed her acquaintances and activities for the next few years. Dorothy’s final years were spent at the Mount St. Mary Care Home where many staff members became her friends. We are very grateful for the wonderful care our Mother and Nannie received from the staff and especially the ‘Grace House’ caregivers. Some of the many qualities for which Dorothy will be remembered were her very genuine, unconditional love for her family and friends, her warm hospitality, her life-long nursing tendencies and abilities, her dedicated volunteerism, her wonderful gifts of music and home-made crafts, her avid love of sports, her tremendous courage and determination and her beautiful smile.

“Go in peace, our dear Mother, we love you. We’ll remember you always with pride. May our lives reflect you in our journeys — till we meet, and walk on, side by side. Now eternity shines with your presence. In God’s arms you are now laid to rest. Your spirit flows gently around us, and our lives will forever be blessed.”

A Celebration of Dorothy’s Life will be held at Oak Bay United Church, Victoria BC, on Wednesday, May 20, 2009, at 7:00 pm. A reception will follow the service. A Graveside Service of Interment will be held on Friday, August 28, 2009 at 2:00 pm, in Cranbrook, BC. A reception will follow at the Cranbrook United Church. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Oak Bay United Church, 1355 Mitchell St., Victoria, BC V8S 4P9.