Dorothy Andrews
August 27, 1918 – April 3, 2008
It is with deep sadness that we announce the peaceful death of our loving mom and Gram. She leaves behind her children Jeannie (Lloyd), Doreen (Vince), Dianne (Brian), Glen (Leona); grandchildren Julie, Jennifer (Rob), Jocelyn, Les (Christie), Wendy (Rene), Jamie (Tammy), Daniel (Lori), Stacey, Jason (Shawna), Jonathan (Leanne), Gren (Twila), Rhonda (Randy), Shawna, Heather (Luke), and Harlen. She is also survived by her 21 great grandchildren, 1 great great grandchild, and friend Carly. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband John in 2003 and by her siblings Iona, Kae, Laura, Charlie, and Murray.
Dorothy was born at Glenorchie farm in the Morton District, the 6th child of Jeannie Murray and Harold Orchard. With the exception of the last five years in Carman, she lived her entire life in the Miami area. Dorothy was a dedicated mother and Gram - efficient, hardworking and resourceful as a gardener, gracious host, accomplished seamstress, and awesome cook. A memory that will remain with all of us is that of Gram’s homemade buns. She preserved hundreds of jars of tomatoes, saskatoons, corn, beans, tomato soup, juice and pickles every year.
We remember with fondness Dorothy’s uniquely decorated cakes for every occasion. We shared in her delight over the dozens of vegetable, fruit, floral arrangement, sewing, and cooking entries in competition every year – almost all winning awards.
Dorothy was a judge for horticultural fairs around the province including the Red River Exhibition and many girls benefitted from her leadership in 4-H. Dorothy was the secretary for the Miami Horticultural Society, the Miami Agricultural Society, and the St. Claude dance club for many years. She enjoyed the sociability of squares but the sweet delight of rounds with John even more. Dorothy was an integral part of Miami United Church community. Floral displays for services frequently came from the Andrews garden and from Dorothy’s talent in floral arrangement. She was a valued member of the Miami UCW. Dorothy and John teamed as church caretakers for several years. John’s dedicated community visibility and success happened because of her wisdom and support.
Dorothy modelled excellence in loving and care-giving in sickness and in health. She was a homemaker in the truest sense – a welcoming person who moved to the rhythm of life and the rhythm of dance. She and John were grateful for the opportunity for farm and dancing vacations to Australia, New Zealand, the British Isles, the USA, and across Canada.
In her youth Dorothy won festival medals in vocal harmony duets with her sister, Iona. More recently her hobbies included tending plants, feeding birds, enjoying animals, and watching figure skating and curling games. Dorothy’s ability to embroider pictures, to crochet, and to hand quilt revealed her creativity and attention to detail. Dorothy continually challenged herself with scrabble games, puzzles, word games, shuffleboard, and carpet bowling. She was an avid reader. She had an intense interest in geography with an atlas and maps always close at hand.
Gram, we are extremely grateful for your mentoring and love. We remember you and we miss you.
Funeral service for Dorothy was held on Thursday, April 10, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the Miami Community Hall with service led by Reverends Alison Halstead and Julie Baker. Interment in Miami cemetery.
