Obituary of Dorothea Irene Housworth

April 7, 1957 – March 22, 2023

It is with a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, sister, wife, grandmother, and friend, Dorothea Irene Housworth, following a long and courageous battle with Primary Biliary Cholangitis.

Dorothea was born in Detroit, Michigan to Andrew and Hilda Szlavik. After serving as Valedictorian in her high school, Dorothea continued her education at St. Francis Xavier University, where she earned her Bachelor of Science in 1979.

Shortly after, Dorothea settled in British Columbia and became a loving and devoted mother to her three children: Michael, Nick and Kate.

Her passion for education led to her Master of Science, that she earned at University of Oregon in 1994.

Dorothea was a dedicated educator for 20 years, working with children in all grades K-12. She loved giving back to her profession and her community, working with the BCTF and volunteering her time with numerous organizations, including Kootenay Lake Hospital Auxiliary (Nelson), Catholic Women’s League (St. Patrick’s, Maple Ridge), and the Royal Canadian Legion (Nelson and Maple Ridge).

Dorothea was an avid, and award-winning baker, quilter, and crafter. She loved nothing more than to make hand-sewn Halloween costumes for her grandchildren and would go to great lengths to make gourmet meals for family and friends in her home. She has passed on a love of baking, art, and creating to each of her grandchildren.

Dorothea is survived by her husband, Glendale Housworth; her children: Michael (Crystal) Hines, Nicholas Hines, Katherine (Graham) McCargar. She will also be missed by her siblings: John Szlavik (Dan Montague), Ruth (Ron) MacKinnon; her stepchildren Richard Housworth, Tiffany (Jim) Carriere; her loving grandchildren: Isabella Hines, Benjamin McCargar, Rosalie McCargar, Aidan Hines, and William McCargar; her nieces and nephews: Allison (Kevin) Pohl, Michelle (Simon) Kent, Allan MacKinnon, Sarah (Geordie) MacDonald; in addition to her many great-nieces and nephews.

Dorothea was predeceased by her father Andrew Szlavik, her mother Hilda Szlavik, and nephew Stephen MacKinnon.

A funeral will be held on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at 10:30am at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Maple Ridge, BC.