Dorothy Violet Lambden
May 10th, 2016
LAMBDEN, Dorothy Violet (nee Hill)
April 20, 1925 – Saskatoon, SK
May 10 2016 – Airdrie, AB
Our mother was a lady of determination and many talents. She was the youngest of seven children and learned to survive early, after the loss of both her parents at a very young age. She was raised by her siblings. Her keen ear for music, love for dancing and talent for painting brought her great enjoyment through some difficult times. Mom grew up on the family farm in the Creekfield District in Sask. After the loss of her parents, she lived with her sister and brother-in-law, Florence and Ray on their farm near Vanscoy.
She attended Teacher’s College in Saskatoon and there she met the love of her life, Lee. He was stationed there with the RCAF. They were married March 3rd, 1945. Dorothy continued to teach at the one-room school in Creekfield and Lee was ready to go over-seas. The war ended and they were able to start their life together on a farm near Delisle. In 1956, they moved to Marengo where they owned and managed the hotel. Raising five children, plus the long hours and hard work were determining factors in them moving to Saskatoon in 1960. Mom returned to teaching, while Dad worked for the City. She worked as a social worker from 1965 until her retirement in 1972. After Dad’s retirement in 1986, they built their dream home on the lake in Chase, BC. Here she was able to pursue some of her many talents. She was an avid gardener, fisherwoman, baker, seamstress and artist. She spent many hours painting, completing more than 400 works of art. By 1999, their health was starting to decline and they moved to a seniors’ villa in Airdrie.
Dorothy is lovingly remembered by her sons, Gary (Wilma), Dale (Phyllis), and Terry (Margrete); her daughters, Janet McLaughlin and Shelley (Clay) Kitzul; 13 grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; 3 great great grandchildren; and sister-in-law, Clara Hill. She was predeceased by her parents, Wilfred and Flora Hill; parents-in-law, Robert and Laura Lambden; husband, Leon Lambden; siblings, Wilfred, Edith (Dick) Scott, Florence (Ray) Benoska, Frank (Gwen), Walter and Jim (Florence); and her in-laws, Elda (Jim) Donald, Ray (Birdie) and Robert. Dorothy enjoyed her family and was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. In her later years, she suffered from dementia, but was still a firecracker. Again her love for music and dancing brought her enjoyment. We will miss her dearly. Many thanks to her various caregivers over the years and staff at McKenzie Town in Calgary and Bethany Care Center in Airdrie.
A Celebration of Dorothy’s Life will be held in Delisle, SK on Saturday, July 9, 2016 at 2:00 pm. A family interment of our parents’ ashes will take place at the D’Arcy Cemetery on Sunday, July 10, 2016 at 1:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, donation may be made in Dorothy’s memory to:
Alzheimer Society
14925 – 111 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T5M 2P6.
My Grandma had a presence that made an impact on everyone. I have more precious memories than I can mention, here are a few: when I was 5 she let me make pudding out of cut-up newspaper and whatever else in the kitchen I wanted to put in it and cook it on the stove(the stove wasn't on and she never let me eat it), playing with her fine china dog named Bingo, how to open a soft boiled egg with a butter knife, how to play Rummy, how to play Heart and Soul and The Sting on the organ, and that good manners make you a better person. House of the Rising Sun, homemade salsa, hard toffee and the best lemon cheese tarts known to man are four of my favourite things and all originated from her. I will forever remember her sense of humour and laughter and love for my grandpa. Thank you for all the good things you left me with. I love you, Grandma and will miss you always.