July 25, 2021
It is with sadness and gratitude for her life that we announce the passing of Dorothy Agnes Wasylik on July 25, 2021 at the Good Samaritan Mountainview Village care home in Kelowna, surrounded by her children. Born in Revelstoke, B.C., in 1931 the third daughter of Ralph & Elizabeth Chisholm, she is predeceased by her siblings Margaret (Jack) Butler, Jean (Ernie) Peressini, Ronald Chisholm and her husband of 64 years, Mike Wasylik (2017). She survived by her daughters Joan, Julianne Pells (Rick), son Steven (Fran Bethell), and grandchildren Eric and Caitlin Pells. Graduating from Revelstoke high school in 1949, where she edited both "The Wash" newsletter and award-winning "The Lookout" annual, Dorothy earned her teacher's certificate at Normal School in Vancouver. She first taught elementary school there, during which time she met Mike Wasylik; they married in 1952 and returned to Revelstoke. As they raised their family, she continued as a substitute teacher and became librarian at Farwell Elementary. Moving to Nelson in 1977 for the final years of Mike's CPR career, she completed her UBC Bachelor's Degree in Education, then taught adult education at Selkirk College for 10 years. A gifted teacher, she often tuned into students' personal interests to unlock their learning journey. A listening ear and quiet counsel were offered equally to children and adults. Retiring to Vernon & Kelowna, she & Mike remained active in golf and curling.
Music was one of Dorothy's special gifts and lifelong joys. She was a long-time member of Revelstoke glee clubs. And regularly brought music into the lives of friends and new generations by facilitating singalongs at campfires & curling bonspiels with her trusty ukulele.
A woman born ahead of her time, Dorothy fought for women's rights to both career and family at a time when women were not permitted to teach once married. Equally fearless in "taking on city hall", she famously organized neighborhood mothers to sit their babies on local boulevards faced with destruction - successfully bringing both heavy equipment & the project to a halt. She was a lifelong volunteer, including the Revelstoke museum, local churches and 25 years with the Vernon Hospital Auxiliary. To these and other causes she brought an indomitable Scottish spirit of determination, conviction of right vs wrong, civic duty and "doing the best you can" in any project.
Later in life she became known to many, including eventually the Mountainview Village care staff, as "The Queen Mother". Throughout her adult life she did not suffer fools, poor manners or lack of effort. Her guiding principle was "others before self." She loved travel, and was known for quick-witted conversation and a keen sense of humor and mischief. As a grandmother, her creativity, humor & evident pride in her grandchildren enriched their lives. Even in dementia, her default mode involved an insistence on courtesy, smart dress and a positive outlook.
The family would like to thank the many staff at the Good Samaritan's Mountainview Village for their dedicated, professional care for Dorothy in her final years -- ensuring her health, wellbeing and dignity even under the extraordinary pandemic circumstances. Being with her during her final days, we too benefited from those personal relationships and the gentle, genuine kindness with which they considered her and our needs. In lieu of flowers, the family gratefully invites donations to the Good Samaritan Mountainview Village (https://gss.org/donate/) or to the Alzheimers Society (www.Alzheimers.ca) A celebration of life for Dorothy will be held at a later date.