May 6, 1925 - Apr 29, 2018
Our "earth angel has gained her wings..."
Dorothy (Doss) MacKay passed away peacefully at Hospice House in Vernon on Sunday, April 29th one week shy of her 93rd birthday. She was predeceased by the love of her life, Doug, who passed on September 8th, 2008.
Dorothy was born in Vernon, May 6th 1925, and spent her youth in Oyama, British Columbia where her love of animals, in particular, horses began. She went to school in Oyama but interrupted her education to enlist in the Navy in 1943 as a WREN. She was posted to Quebec City and when the war ended she returned to the family orchard in Oyama.
Dorothy met Doug on the ski hill in Vernon, and after marrying, raised three children at their home on Kalamalka Lake. She worked as a director and bookkeeper of MacKay's Prescriptions Ltd. in downtown Vernon serving the community for 33 years. Fondly referred to as "the iris lady", she spent countless hours devoted to creating beauty at the lake in her gardens. Doss was an avid athlete who enjoyed tennis, baseball (go Blue Jays), and skiing at Silver Star with the infamous "ski gang." She did not love waterskiing, however, because her first and only experience took place underwater while clutching the rope.
She was known for her generosity, love and compassion for others, and greeted all with her beautiful smile and shining blue eyes. Her positive attitude was a light to everyone.
She will be lovingly and always remembered by her three daughters, Deborah Durst of Edmonton Alberta, Janis (Rob) Glenesk of Vernon, B.C., and Sandy MacKay (Brian Johnston) of Cobble Hill B.C., five grandchildren, Tyson and Shannon Durst of Edmonton, Alberta; MacKenzie and Taylor Johnston of Cobble Hill B.C; and Shannon Glenesk (Helen) of Vernon B.C; two great grandchildren, Nevaya and Lexi Glenesk of Vernon B.C., sister Valerie of Victoria B.C., and many wonderful nieces and nephews.
The family will hold a celebration of her life on Saturday, May 26th at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Pleasant Valley Funeral Home. A tea reception will follow in the Pleasant Valley tea room.
The family would like to thank all of the professionals who cared for Doss and the staff and volunteers at Vernon Hospice House.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Vernon and District Hospice House, 3506-27th Ave., Vernon, B.C., V1T 1S4.
Condolences can be sent to the family by visiting www.pleasantvalleyfh.com
Arrangements entrusted to Pleasant Valley Funeral Home (250-542-4333)
Pleasant Valley Dignity Funeral Home