Obituary of Dorothy McClelland

McCLELLAND – Dorothy McClelland, of Maidstone, Saskatchewan, passed away suddenly on January 30, 2005 at Maidstone Hospital after a short illness, having enjoyed life for 83 years. She will be lovingly remembered by her family: her husband Thomas of 62 years; son, Ronald (Mary) and their children Sandra, Bruce (Franza), Brian (Myra); son, Vernon (Kitty) McClelland and their children Grant and Scott; great-grandchildren, Kristen, Curtis, Nicole, James and Sarah; sister-in-law, Jessie (Art) Buckley; and many nieces and nephews. Dorothy was predeceased by: her son Lindsay McClelland; parents, John and Martha McNeil; sisters, Hazel (Dave) Johnston, Gertrude (Joseph) Simms, and Flora (Chester) Scott. Dorothy grew up on the McNeil homestead 2 miles northeast of Maidstone, and was proud to see it achieve 100 years in the family this year. Upon graduation from Grade XII, she attended business school in Saskatoon and then joined the Women’s Division of the Royal Canadian Air Force, serving at the Flying Training Base at Aylmer, Ontario as a “Leading Air Woman” until her discharge. She farmed with her husband Tom for 40 years, living first at the McClelland homestead in Grand Cheviot district, and then at the McNeil farm near Maidstone. They retired from farming to their home in Maidstone in 1986. Dorothy loved gardening and flowers all her life. Dorothy also found time to actively participate in the United Church, serving on its board, in the UCW, and teaching Sunday school. She was a member of the National Farmers’ Union and actively supported her sons in the 4-H beef and grain clubs. She also loved camping, fishing and the functions at the Senior Citizens Drop-In Centre. The Funeral Service was conducted by Reverend Ean Kasper from the Maidstone United Church on February 3, 2005, followed by interment in the Maidstone Cemetery. Hymns were led by the Community Choir, and the pianist was Donna Weston, a long-time family friend. Arrangements were entrusted to McCaw Funeral Service Ltd. Donations in Dorothy’s memory may be made to the Pine Island Lodge Foundation. Card of Thanks The family of the late Dorothy McClelland would like to sincerely thank Dr. Steenkamp, Joanne, Louise, and the other members of the Maidstone Health Care Team for their care and compassion; Reverend Ean Kasper for the thoughtful service and pastoral visits; Donna Weston and the Maidstone Community Choir for the beautiful music; members of the Maidstone Legion for their honour guard; the United Church Women for hosting the tea; Sandy Wiltermuth for extra touches with the flowers; Dale and Dave McCaw for their commitment to our family’s needs over the years; and everyone who phoned, visited from near and far, sent food, cards, flowers to our homes, and made donations. Your support and kind words about our wife and mother has been greatly appreciated and will not soon be forgotten. Tom Ron and Mary Vern and Kitty