DORSSERS (nee Engelen): Mary. Mary passed peacefully in her sleep at Village at Smith Creek in West Kelowna. Born in the Netherlands, Mary immigrated to Canada in late 1951 with her parents and siblings. Her beau from the Netherlands Ted Dorssers followed a year later. They married soon after and six children were born over the next eight years. Mary and Ted’s life together began in Saskatchewan (Kindersley) and continued in B.C. (first Kimberley and finally Kelowna). While primarily a homemaker through the Kindersley/Kimberley years, Mary thoroughly enjoyed a career that survived through the evolution of Long’s Drugs, Tamblyn’s, Boots, and Shopper’s Drug Mart and enriched her life with many good friends. In her retirement years Mary enjoyed golfing, Holland America cruises with Ted, and especially spending time with her grandchildren.
Mary possessed many superpowers – she could improbably stretch a pound of hamburger, bake/sew/knit/clean like a boss, talk without seeming to draw breath (as anyone who was ever cornered by her can attest), but her abiding legacy is as a role model. We stand in awe of her level of selfless dedication, her unshakeable tolerance, and her staggering work ethic. Her loving care of our father in his ailing years was a testament to duty and loyalty and we will be forever grateful.
Predeceased by her son Robbie in 1967 and her husband Ted in 2006, Mary is survived by five children Willie (Shelley), Petra (Christopher), Tim (Char), Dan (Christyane), Bart; eight grandchildren Douglas (Donya), Anna (Kevan), Joey (Dani), Megan, Tosha (Marcos), Mariah, Kyle, Ryan, one great-grandchild Ashton, and two sisters, Margaret and Helen.
Recently dementia crept in and robbed Mary of the golden years she so deserved. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the amazing Village at Smith Creek staff. Their compassionate, loving care brought joy to our mother and tremendous comfort to us.
There will be no service at Mary’s request. Should anyone want to remember her, a donation to the Cancer Center for the Southern Interior, 399 Royal Avenue, Kelowna, B.C. V1Y 5L3 was her expressed wish.
Tot ziens, Mia
Condolences maybe sent to the family by visiting www.firstmemorialfuneralkelowna.com
Arrangements entrusted with First Memorial Funeral Services, Kelowna, BC 250-762-2299
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