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Dorothy Eleanor Louise (Stryck) Ephgrave (nee Jukes)

January 10, 2012

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We sadly announce the passing of our beloved Mum, Dorothy. She lived her life courageously with an uncompromising strength of conviction, never wavering in her beliefs and leading by quiet example. She had an amazing ability to see something good and special in everyone, and even if you didn’t think you possessed those qualities you aspired to them. The unflagging strength of her faith as a Christian Scientist served, and continues to serve as moral compass and spiritual guide for us all.

While she started her working life as a teacher her love of flying led her to enlist in the Canadian Air Force where she served for the duration of WWII. She continued on that path working for Queen Charlotte airlines until she met and married her first husband, Willy.

As a working mother of four, no matter how busy her schedule there was always time for us. Whether she loaded us all up in the old VW with perhaps a neighbour or a pet as well, to take us out to paint in a park, or organize plays with the other neighbourhood kids, she could always manage the time and do it with humour and grace.

Mum lived her life selflessly, always in the service of others, whether working for Social Services, or at Concord, or later as a daily visitor to Bastion Place to be with her “dear prince”, Frank to whom she wrote love letters until two days before her death. Her every act was governed by an unshakable belief in essential goodness, enriching all the many lives she touched.

She was a woman full of grace, humility, wisdom, compassion, courage, strength and beauty who at the ripe young age of 91 could still drive (well), speak Latin, recite epic poetry and sit with her lap top, skyping. One day she would quote Aristotle and the next day quote Sting or Winnie the Pooh. She was an accomplished, artistically gifted and erudite woman but never wanted her life to be about her achievements. Hers was a life full of giving and she had an abiding love for all God’s creatures.

We have been truly blessed to have this remarkable woman as a role model and a mother. We will remember her quiet reassurances and will forever miss her oft said phrase, “I am sure it will just be lovely, dear” – and it is.

Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Willy, sister Bunty and brother Harry. She is survived by her four children Bruce (Ayami), Joan (Garry), David (Susan) and Joy, her two granddaughters Sarah and Hisako, husband Frank, step children Marilyn (Brian) and Paul (Shelley), their children and grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

A gathering to celebrate her life will be held at a later date. Flowers are gratefully declined.



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