Dorothy Elizabeth "Doris" Thomson
January 22, 1910 - March 15, 2003
Passed away peacefully at Mission Memorial Hospital after a brief illness. Predeceased by brother Jack at age 6, husband Alex "Sandy" in 1965, parents Bill and Lizzie Bateson of Old Hutten, Westmoreland, England in 1966, daughter-in-law Jean in 2002 and youngest son, Malcolm in 2001.
Survived by her children, Alex (Diana) Thomson, Swift Current, SK, Bill (Marlene) Thomson, Kerrobert, SK, Dorothy (Mac) McNichol, Kerrobert, SK, Jean Todd (Jim Percy), Port Coquitlam, B.C. Also 10 grandchildren; Bev, Myles, Doug, Sandra, Rick, Lynda, Laurie, Donna, Gord and Ted; 23 great grandchildren and 4 great-great-granchildren in B.C., Alberta, and Saskatchewan. Doris lived in her own home till the day before her passing.
Born in Kirby Lonsdale, Westmoreland she had many health challenges as a child. She had two forms of T.B.and walked with crutches at age of 6 and was in a sanitarium for several months at age 12. She was the first to have an x-ray at the sanitarium. She recovered and after her schooling worked as a domestic and at one time was presented at the Mass Martin Hirings.
In 1927 she emigrated to Canada with her parents who worked in Manitoba before moving to the Saline District between Simpson and Nokomis, SK. Again she worked as a domestic and in 1931 married Sandy. He was originally from Ayr, Scotland, and had come to the District on a Harvest Excursion train from Hamilton, Ontario after serving with the Black Watch in Europe in WW1 (wounded twice). They farmed near Last Mountain Lake. They had 3 children while on the farm. Doris moved to Nokomis soon after Sandy enlisted in WW11. She worked in the Co-op store and assisted some of the older folks in town. After the war they had two more children.
Doris was a willing volunteer in community activities belonging to Homemakers, Co-op Guild, and the United Church Ladies Aid. Besides knitting, sewing, and gardening she was a great cook and baker. Many dozen of her buns were sold at fundraisers.
In 1956 Doris, Sandy and the two youngest children moved to Stave Falls, north of Mission. She lived in her current home in Mission since 1966. A nature lover and an enthusiastic gardener, many fledgling and experienced gardeners benefited from her expertise and generosity. She had many interests, but the center of her world was her family.
She was a lifetime member of the O.A.P.A. for many years she tended the book exchange at the meetings. An avid reader and Scrabble player till the end she had also enjoyed OAP road trips (Reno was the favourite), crocheting, cards, crosswords, and garage sales. She loved watching and indentifying the birds that visited the sanctuary of her back yard and watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.
She could not abide waste and lived a life based on environmental principles.
Her adult life was healthy - a testament to black tea and oatmeal. She was a reluctant patient and always tried to avoid medical intervention. Thanks to Dr. S. Potter and Associates for the years of respectful care. As one doctor said "We can't argue with her success". The family also wishes to thank Mission Memorial staff for their sensitive care.
We love and miss you Mom, always.
No service at this time, future memorial to be scheduled in Saskatchewan. Cremation. No flowers please, in memoriam gifts to the Land Conservancy, 2150 Maple Street, Vancouver, V6j 3T3 or charity of choice.