Born in Kamloops, raised and educated in Revelstoke, Dorothy Askew knew that the only career she ever wanted was nursing. She trained at the Royal Columbian Hospital in New Westminster and in 1944 came to nurse at the old Salmon Arm hospital (site of the present-day McGuire Lake Inn).
While she had long-term plans to work as a nurse, she met and married Lloyd Askew in 1945 and they raised three children. She only nursed one year as she felt it was more important for her to stay home with her children. However, throughout her life Dorothy maintained and expanded her medical knowledge. She was the extended family expert on such matters and her knowledge and advice will be greatly missed
In 1967, Lloyd took a bold step and expanded his grocery business by building a new store on the present-day site of Askew’s. With the children almost grown, Dorothy now had time to work in the office with her long time friend Florence Farmer. Over the years, Dorothy played an important role in the growth and success of the business.
Dorothy has been an active member of and donor to many organizations in Salmon Arm. She was a long time member of First United and the UCW. She could always be relied on to provide baking and assist at church functions. She particularly enjoyed her volunteer work with the Red Cross, loaning medical equipment to community members.
She has seven grandchildren and they brought her great joy. Each of them had a deeply valued and special relationship with her. Dorothy enjoyed many summers with them at the family cabin where she loved to swim, play games and generally enjoy their company.
Dorothy was born Oct 12, 1921, the 2nd of five children of James Ernest and Marion Joan Brown. She was predeceased by her parents, sister Jean, brothers Andy and Allan, and husband Lloyd. She is survived by youngest brother Harry, children David (Susan), Colleen (Jack), Karen (Des), and grandchildren Hannah, Chris (Christine), Jennifer (Stephen), Patrick, Claire, Tanis, and Peter. She died in Salmon Arm on Nov 2, 2009. A memorial service will be held at First United on Saturday November 14th at 2:00 pm.
Donations in Lieu of flowers can be made to: The Shuswap Community Foundation, 364B Ross Street NE, Box 624, Salmon Arm, BC, V1E 4N7.
Email condolences may be sent to
sympathy@bowersfuneralservice.com
Funeral arrangements are in the care of Bowers Funeral Home and Crematorium, Salmon Arm.