Obituary of Dorothy Ruth Wachal

Dorothy passed away peacefully after a short illness at Ridge Meadows Hospital in Maple Ridge, B.C. Dorothy moved to Maple Ridge 13 years ago to be closer to her grandchildren and had her own suite in her daughter Jill’s home. Dorothy loved her life in British Columbia and enjoyed watching her grandchildren grow into adults. She attended many birthday celebrations, Christmas dinners, graduations, and weddings. Dorothy was especially fond of her two little sheltie dogs Gracie and Nova, who are both a little portly due to the abundance of treats Dorothy lavished them with on a daily basis. Dorothy attended a Vancouver Canucks game last year on her 87th birthday, she loved her Vancouver Canucks. Dorothy enjoyed mini vacations in Victoria, especially visiting the Butchart Gardens, shopping and having a little treat at Murchies Tea House or maybe a “Special Coffee” at a small pub. Dorothy loved the water, she loved to walk along the harbour or sit on a rock on the beach. She hardly ever complained about the dull rainy days of winter, always saying “It’s better than snow!”. But despite her loving her days in B.C., in her heart, Winnipeg was always home, especially in the past year she longed to return to the place of her youth that held so many happy memories. Dorothy is survived by her children Wendy Rerie(Bob), Jill Laker(Craig), Frank Wachal(Cindy) and her son in law Willie Mckellar(Bonnie). Also grandchildren Shannon Rerie, Brian Rerie(Sarah), Hayley Laker Maschek(Kurt), James Laker(Danielle Gallant) and Amber Morley. Great grandsons Chandler Rerie and Patrick Boyd. Dorothy is survived by her sister Vi Haarsma in Winnipeg, sister-in-laws Pauline Douglas and Bertha Dominik, and many nieces and nephews. Predeceased by her husband Ralph(Nov.10,1979),infant daughter Dale, daughter Bonnie(March 26, 2009). Also brother Wally Douglas and his wife Betty, brother-in-law Edward Wallace and his wife Iona, brother Bruce Douglas and brother in laws Ben Haarsma, Johnny Dominik. Family will celebrate Dorothy’s life in a quiet family gathering at her home in Maple Ridge as Dorothy requested no service. If you wish to make a donation in Dorothy’s name please donate to Juvenile Diabetes Research or a charity of your choice. “And when that final, sacred moment came Mom slipped just beyond our grasp And Dad embraced her with open arms Welcoming her home at last…”