August 13, 1925 – July 4, 2022
Dorothy Karklin, age 96, passed away on the afternoon of July 4, 2022. She passed in her life-long home in Lettonia, with her 3 children and her 3 spoiled dogs by her side. Dorothy went by many names: Dolly, Mum, Grandma, Big Grandma, Aunty, and everyone who was lucky enough to know her came to love her dearly.
Dolly was a friend to everyone. She always had an open-door policy to new and old friends, strangers and neighbours. There was always enough dinner to share with whoever wanted to join her, and there was always room on her beautiful property for friends to come and enjoy it. Her generous spirit and love of people lives on with her children and grandchildren.
Food has to be mentioned as part of her legacy. Through her Latvian heritage, she passed on traditions of making sauerkraut, piragi, pickles, and preserves to her kids. She was also an adventurous cook and eater beyond these traditions, and in her home which she shared with two of her three children until her death, there was always a new recipe being tested, or cuisine being tried.
Even at 96, she was never quite a ‘little old lady’, standing at 5’11” tall for much of her life, with a sharp mind and big personality to match. She was always working on a crossword, with her multiple dictionaries by her side for reference- if you were lucky, she might even let you contribute a word. Her memory was possibly better than her family would have preferred. She enjoyed happy hour with her family until the end of her life, enjoying a glass of white wine on a drive around her property with her son was one of her favourite activities.
She was preceded in death by her husband Edmund, infant son Robert, sister Helen, and brother Herb. She is survived by a large family who will miss her dearly: Her sister Joyce, children Dan, Dorothy, and Georgina, as well as her sons-in-law Bill and Ian, and sister-in-law Margit. Her granddaughter Cynthia, husband Chevy, and great-grandchildren Liam, Emma, and Megan lived nearby and spent many birthdays, holidays, and Sunday dinners together. Her grandchildren Jillian and Gavin (Lil Gav) cherished the time they could spend together on their visits from the U.S. She will be missed by numerous nieces and nephews, and her extended family members Stuart, Bradley, Shelley and Cheryl.
A memorial is planned for later in the summer, please reach out to Georgina Karklin (georgina.karklin@gmail.com) if you would like to be contacted with details.
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Roberta Carlson
Sorry to hear of your moms passing, thinking of you at this difficult time, hugs
Jackie Hodge
Sorry for your loss she will be missed by all that knew her
Cathy Urban
I heard alot of stories from Allan and the parties. She was a good friend to everyone.
Shirley a frank
So sorry to hear of Dolly’s passing, my sincere condolences to all her family. She was a wonderful kind person and will be missed.
Norma & Donnie Hladki
Sincere condolences, she was a lovely lady.
Amy Soroka Lagsdine
Dear Aunt Dolly …I have such fond memories of you and am so blessed to have had you in my life. It has been far too many years since I last visited but was able to keep updated through daughter Dorothy. I remember first meeting you…I was fifteen years old…little knowing l would become part of the family. When I think of those early years I often reminisce about people in our past like my dear mother in law Helen and Grandma Alksne and Uncle Waldie and Charlie Lagsdine. Long gone but not forgotten. I’ll never forget you either. You were one very special lady ❤️
Dearest Dorothy Danny and Georgina…and to all of your families…I am so sorry. I know Aunt Dolly had a long and wonderful life filled with love. You were all so lucky to have had her for so long. Auntie Joyce I am so sorry you lost your sister…hug to you. Thoughts as well for the 3 spoiled doggies. They must need special attention now as I suspect they are confused as to what has happened. My love to all …just can’t quit thinking about all of you. I will phone in future. Hugs hugs hugs.
Sandra Young
I never got to visit my Aunt a lot as I live in Alberta, though I will remember the last visit I had with her. We started talking about Grandma Alksne (her mom) and Auntie Helen (her sister). Auntie Dolly was mentioning that soon it would be her turn to pass away. I said to her, look at it this way you will be able to boss them around as you will be older than them. She started laughing and said I never thought of it that way. I like that idea. Will always remember her laughing at the thought. Going to miss the phone calls I always made on her birthday and at Christmas to talk to her. Take care Dorothy, Georgie and Danny, know you will miss her a great deal. Hope to talk to you soon.
Yvonne Chevrefils and family
Our sincere condolences to the entire family. Dorothy was always so sweet and kind. We always enjoyed it when she was around. May her memories continue to bring you all the love and comfort she provided while she here.
Marilyn Anderson
My sincere condolences to all of the family on the loss of a beautiful lady. I remember how cheerful she always was when we would see her at Church. My husband knew her husband really well those many years ago. She was blessed to have the love of her family around her for so many years. A life well lived! Rest in peace, Dolly!
Sincerely, Marilyn