Dorothy Elizabeth Graf

Dorothy was born in Fulda, Saskatchewan. She was the fourth child and first daughter of William and Louisa Cody. She grew up on their farm, and from an early age much preferred education and reading to farm chores. She was a determined little girl who excelled in school and entered the teaching profession in Manitoba at age 18. She spent a few years teaching in northern Manitoba and on her return to Saskatchewan for a new teaching job, met Frank. They were married in 1950 and then moved to B.C. for more opportunities. Dorothy continued her teaching career at Eighth Avenue Elementary, teaching grade one. She loved those children as her own and was especially fond of her students with special needs. She had an excellent reputation for her teaching skills.

Dorothy took a few years off to raise her four children until her youngest, David, started school.

She was active in sports (softball, curling and the figure skating club), and various other community organizations. She supported her children in their endeavours and, despite the demands of her teaching job, made time to sew skating costumes, attend early morning skating sessions with her daughters, and throw elaborate dinner parties for her friends and family. Christmas, Easter, Birthdays and Thanksgiving were always big events to be celebrated with gusto and with as many family that could fit in the house. Her Christmas cakes were wonderful. Dorothy’s family were her pride and joy and she loved travelling to see them all once they had left home. She loved her experiences in Hawaii, Mexico and her cruise to Alaska.

After her retirement from teaching, she and Frank owned and operated a motel in Parksville for six years. Later, they returned to the Alberni Valley and she found time for crafting, reading and bantering over a fun game of cards. She enjoyed some years with the Sunshine Club, CWL, and the Lioness club.

The last two years of her life were spent at Echo Village where she enjoyed the camaraderie of new friends. Frank happily joined her there a year later.

Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Frank of 69 years in March 2019, and her brothers Elmer, Robert, Jerome and Harold.

She will be forever missed by her sister Ethel and brother Pat (Lois) and sister-in-law, Charlotte Cels. She is survived by her four children: Cheryl ( Pard ) Hogeweide, Glen (Cindy) Graf, Lynn( Harry) Krupek, David ( Ailsa) Graf; seven grandchildren: Erin (Scott) Findlay, Caolan Hogeweide, Stephen( Sylvia) Krupek, Alicia Krupek and Eric (Krystal) Krupek, Stuart and Callum Graf; five great grandchildren: Dallas, Carson and Carys Findlay and Kash and Jessica Hogeweide.

The family expresses sincere thanks for the care Dorothy received in the past two years at Echo Village. Dorothy is now at peace and is with Frank. Her circle of life has been completed.