Dorothy Lucille Kostyniuk

On April 29th, the day of her 75th wedding anniversary, Dorothy Kostyniuk passed away peacefully at the age of 97 years. Born on March 8th, 1922 to Alberta pioneers Iva and Cuba Collins, and the second eldest of siblings Edith, Allan, and Gladys, Dorothy spent her formative years in Elnora, Alberta. She was born a farm girl but was eager to find the bright lights of the big city, and at the age of 18 moved south to Calgary. While working at the recruitment centre in the early 1940’s, she met and married a handsome young soldier from Regina, Michael Kostyniuk, her beloved husband of 64 years. During Mike’s 28 years in the army and after settling back in Calgary in 1968, Dorothy and Mike traveled many places and touched many lives. With her two sons grown, Dorothy enjoyed a second career, working at Simpsons Sears and proudly driving her 1978 Malibu Classic she bought and paid for herself. Over the years, Dorothy enjoyed being involved with the Confederation Park Seniors’ Centre Travel Desk and the Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion Kensington Branch 264, where she and Mike spent most Saturday evenings dining and dancing. Dorothy’s passion was her piano, teaching and entertaining people with her beautiful playing all of her life. With Mike, Dorothy loved bus trips with her many good friends, shopping for new outfits, dancing, bowling, 25 cent slots, drinking white wine (with ice), and annual visits to Las Vegas and Hawaii. After Mike’s passing in 2008, Dorothy sold the family split-level and moved into The Boardwalk retirement residence where she enjoyed many years with friends, old and new.

She will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her two sons Larry (Annette) and Jimmy (Cheryl), her sister Gladys (Keith), her many nieces and nephews, and all who came to know her. Dorothy was predeceased by Mike in 2008. They will be reunited at Elnora Cemetery during a private family interment.

A laugh, a song, a dance … remember the good times!

A Memorial Service will be held at Foster’s Garden Chapel, 3220 - 4 Street NW, Calgary, Alberta (across from Queen’s Park Cemetery), on Saturday, May 18th at 2:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dorothy’s name will be gratefully accepted by the Confederation Park 55+ Activity Centre.

The family would like to extend their deepest thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and staff at the Foothills Hospital and at Brentwood Care Centre for their comfort and compassion over the last few months.

Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family, via the website: www.fostersgardenchapel.ca