1922 ~ 2013
Our wonderful mom took her final journey home December 5, 2013 at age 91. She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Joseph, in 2007.
Missing her deeply are daughters Beverly (Ahmed) Chabani of France, Kym (Robin) Dopheide of Springfield, brother Adolph Peltz, sister-in-law Agnes, nephew Glenn, niece Wendy (Kennedy) MacLean of Beausejour, great-niece Colleen (Christian) Preston and John (Joan) Dancho of BC and their children plus family and friends.
Caroline was the youngest of five, born to Agnes & Michael Peltz on the family farm in Brokenhead, Manitoba. As a child of the prairies, she milked cows, churned butter, gathered eggs and gained cooking skills at her mother’s side – nourishing family and threshing crews. She walked 3 miles daily to Cromwell School (and never let us forget it!)
She ALSO kept her eye on the dashing Joe Dancho – who lived a mile up the road. Married in 1941, they headed to BC for Joe’s army training. Mom was a proud ‘Rosie the Riveter’ who toiled with great care.She felt each warplane might one day carry a co-worker’s son. At war’s end, the couple launched their own business – Dancho’s Grocery – an old-fashioned corner store on Brooklyn & Silver in St. James. They worked side by side, 6 days a week, for almost 40 years – a kind but firm influence on neighbourhood kids and fondly remember by many to this day. As their daughters arrived, mom’s venerable work ethic shone…minding the store, sewing, cooking, attending school concerts, horse shows, graduations and house moves – supporting the girls’ endeavors with dedication and quiet pride. 1981 brought a well-deserved retirement and return to rural roots. Caroline and Joe shared a passion for nature, gardening and duty to family. Her care and cooking were bestowed on aging relatives and always hungry daughters.
After Joe’s passing, fiercely independent, she continued to drive, baking in tow, to St. Joseph’s church services. She avidly followed the news, held strong political opinions and was always interested in the world around her. Mom never complained, did not believe in “airing dirty laundry”, was a calm and steady influence on us – quietly strong and loving. She had a clever, cheeky sense of humour and believed all people were equal – from richest to poorest – her words: ‘Nobody is better or worse than you – we all put our pants on one leg at a time!’.
Caroline valued her family, her friends and her freedom. Her neighbours, Patricia & Don McBride, their boys and Dale McGowan helped make it possible for mom to live at home, shadowed by her beloved kitty Sasha, until a month before her passing. Mom returned the favour by watching the kids and supplying Dale with her own hand-picked cranberry jam. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts.
Thanks also to the remarkable staff of HSC SICU, Ward D3 and Palliative Care. Your dedication and compassion during Caroline’s final days touched us all. And thank you dear family and friends who journeyed with us to the conclusion of Caroline’s life on this earth – we were all moved and embraced by pure love.
If you’ve still got your mom – please give her a hug, make amends if you can, give her your time and presence and consider making a donation to the Health Sciences Centre Foundation or the animal rescue of your choice in memory of Caroline.
Burial will take place this summer when the birds and bees, trees and flowers mom so loved will be able to attend.
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