Dorothy Jane Duchak

On Friday, December 15, 2017, Dorothy peacefully, gently and gracefully transitioned from sleep to eternity, following a long and worthy life.

She was predeceased by her loving husband of 61 years, John; parents Clara and Wesley Purdy; sister Vi McKinnon; brothers Lloyd, Earl and Harold, brothers-in-law Bill, Pete and Mike Duchak, and Stan Klepacki; sisters-in-law Mary Davies, Ann Duchak and Ann Purdy.

Dot is survived by son David (Cindy) Duchak, and daughter Joan (Bill) Webb; much loved grandchildren Lorraine (Mark) Lancaster and Steve (Ann) Webb, together with great-grandchildren Christien and Cara Lancaster, and Sarah, Elizabeth and Timothy Webb. Also surviving her are sisters Jean (George) Simpson and Florence Klepacki; brother Andy (Carol) Purdy; sister-in-law Hazel Purdy; brother-in-law Hugh McKinnon, and a host of cherished nephews and nieces.

Born as the eldest daughter of eight children on a farm near Moose Jaw, Dot very early assumed responsibilities beyond her years in the care and nurture of her younger brothers and sisters, as Depression Era hardship swept the Prairies. Morphing into a version of Rosie the Riveter with the outbreak of war, she served for the duration on an assembly line turning out aircraft for the war effort. Married in Moose Jaw to John in 1945 and journeying with him to Calgary two years later, she spent the next 70 years there, dedicated entirely to family and friends.

A charter member of the Greatest Generation, where duty, decency, charity and resilience were givens, not options, she was not merely “of” that generation, she was a standard bearer for it. Those she leaves behind to carry on her legacy, salute her. We are all deeply grateful to have had her in our lives, to have been the beneficiaries of her company, guidance, support, and love. Rest well, Dot. Your memory will be forever treasured.

A Memorial Service will be held at FOSTER’S GARDEN CHAPEL, 3220 – 4 Street N.W., Calgary (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery), on Monday, January 15, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.