Dorothy Schnell (nee Colson)
Jan. 21, 1921 – Feb. 15, 2023
Predeceased Husbands: Herbert Schnell (48) and Conrad Schnell (93).
Predeceased Siblings: Violet (Hillman) Wachter and Horace Colson.
Survived by brother: Walter Colson.
Survived by Children: Gordon Schnell (Deborah Paisley), Jamie Schnell, Becky Nemetchek (Karel Nemetchek); eight grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren.
Parents Frank and Alice Colson were prairie homesteaders south of Fleet, Alta. The dirty thirties ingrained deeply practical, resourceful as well as creative sides in Dorothy which infused her art, style and design sense.
Dorothy says she got everything she ever wanted in life, living always by her father’s motto: “If you can’t have what you love, love what you have.” From this loving essence, her life of ‘practical perfection’ arose.
Loving farming the land, changing seasons, nature, open spaces, a steed at speed, the wind in her hair, hard work, she never wanted another life.
Loving family she realized as a child, was the universal soul of daily life and yearned to create her very own. Marrying Herb in 1945 they created the family and upon Herb’s death the family included Cooney from 1965 to 2011.
Loving community Dorothy always stepped up, no challenge too daunting, no kindness too trivial. Her practical, balanced leadership, formidable skills and tenacity benefited many; two favourites were the museum and 4-H.
At 102, independent and mentally intact, her stellar wit, joy of reading, learning and life were undimmed. Mention Dorothy’s name to any who knew her, the first words uttered are “amazing” or “incredible”.
A life fulfilled.
Celebration of Dorothy will take place Sat. March 11 at 2 p.m., Knox United Church, Castor, Alta. All are invited to stay for lunch.
In-Memorial donations may be made to Paintearth Lodge in Castor, Alta.
Web-Link: https://www.choicememorial.com.
