Magill, Dorothy Eva

Dorothy Eva Magill passed away at the Lamont Health Care Centre on Nov. 29, 2018, at the age of 94 years.

Dorothy was born on March 30, 1924, at Ensleigh, Ab. and was the youngest of three children. She had two brothers, Cyril and Randolph.

She grew up at the Bailey homestead near Hemaruka, Ab.

Dorothy either walked to school or rode her horse. In the winter she would leave early for school to put coal in the heater so the school would be warm before classes started.

When she completed school she worked in Hemaruka at the general store which was also the post office. She has fond memories of her time at the store, sorting the mail and serving customers. She later worked at a store in Coronation.

On June 6, 1948, at the age of 24, Dorothy married Robert Magill. They moved to the original homestead of Robert’s parents, Cassie and Hugh Magill.

The family grew with the arrival of Faye in 1949, Murray in 1952 and Donna in 1954.

Dorothy planted a large garden and preserved vegetables for the winter and canned many jars of fruit.

She loved flowers and always included them in her vegetable garden as well as around the house. She took pride in her home and yard.

When the children started taking piano lessons, she drove them to Hemaruka, Coronation and then to Castor every Saturday for many years.

She always packed a lunch to eat on the way.

She did enjoy a little shopping while the children were at our lessons.

Dorothy was active in the Hemaruka WI and made many sandwiches and pies for events held at the Hemaruka Hall.

She also enjoyed the trips to Red Deer where she could head out shopping while Robert attended the Farm and Ranch show.

She enjoyed her time with the grandkids and great grandkids and always had lots of special treats for them and never missed sending them a birthday card.

Dorothy and Robert moved from the farm to the Hanna Lodge in 2011. In March of 2017, Dorothy moved to the Lamont Health Care Centre to be closer to Faye and Donna.

Dorothy is survived by her two daughters. Faye (Terry) Strashok and Donna McIntyre and daughter-in-law Marlene Magill.

Also grandchildren Darwin (Olivia) Strashok, Mark Strashok, Ian (Jody) Magill, Dwight (Christy) Magill, Brandy (Chris) Paton and Ryan (Char) McIntyre. Great grandchildren are Emmett and Gemma Strashok; Hudson and Ryker Magill; Raena Paton; and Henry and Stella McIntyre.

She will be missed by her nieces and nephews: Barbara Swyripa, Richard Bailey, Margie Glazier, Joyce Magill- Evans, Hugh Magill, Dale Magill and Laurie Best.

Dorothy is predeceased by her parents Frederick and Selena Bailey; brothers Cyril and Randolph Bailey; sister-in-law Esther Bailey; husband Robert Magill; son Murray Magill; brother-in-law Stanley Magill and sister-in-law Laura Magill.

With Dorothy’s passing, we see the end of an era.

She lived in a time of homesteaders and pioneers of absolute self-reliance and strong bonds of community. We will miss you, Mom.

Honouring Dorothy’s request, a private family service was held on Sat. Dec. 8, 2018, at the Veteran United Church.

Memorial donations may be made to the Village of Veteran Cemetery Society.

Card of Thanks

The families of Dorothy Magill would like to send a very special thank you to the Lamont Health Care Centre for their excellent care and kindness during mom’s time spent there.

Thank you to Reverend Maben for conducting the funeral service, Mark Strashok for sharing our special memories of Mom and the United Church ladies for providing lunch.

We wish to thank our wonderful community for the cards, visits, phone calls and prayers.

Your kindness and thoughtfulness will not be forgotten.

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