Dorothy McKee

Dorothy May McKee

Day is done, gone the sun,
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky;
All is well, safely rest,
God is nigh.

Dorothy McKee (née Stewart) of Calgary died peacefully on June 6, 2017 at the age of 93. Her family is comforted that she is now in the embrace of her Lord. They celebrate her life and the difference that she made in the lives of so many.

Dorothy was born in Calgary and lived in the Calgary area all of her life. She was a child of the Depression who came of age during World War II. The Depression was a formative time for the development of her dedication to social justice.

She started school at Millican Cottage School, attended Colonel Walker Junior High and graduated from Western Canada High School in 1941. She then worked in varied service industries where she made many lifelong friends.
She met her future husband, Dellas, on a streetcar in Calgary; they were married on February 26, 1945 and raised a family of 3 children in the Millican neighbourhood. Dorothy was actively involved in the community. She loved the role of grandma, and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren adored the loving attention she bestowed on each one of them. She was a wonderful cook and baker! Everyone, family and friends, has a story from her kitchen.
She participated in many athletic activities, notably speed skating and curling. As a girl she joined the Crystal Speed Skating Club and continued skating for many years to the delight of her grandchildren who were in awe of her ability. It was a thing of beauty to watch her graceful glide. In high school she participated in track and basketball. She signed up for curling in 1960 and curled at the Big 4 with the Victoria Park Ladies Curling Club. She curled well into her later years. She participated in the Alberta Senior Games in orienteering and biking. When Dorothy wasn’t playing she was on the sidelines cheering; you always knew when she was in attendance supporting you with a gleeful “go get ‘em!” 

Dorothy was a lifelong learner. Sometimes she went on to teach what she had studied, eventually she became a role model for others. Throughout her life she was active as a volunteer in her church. Dorothy spent 42 years at Ogden United Church and her involvement included teaching Sunday School (with a special love for the kindergarteners), leading Explorers and CGIT as well as her work with UCW, Camp Kasota and Naramata. She was also active in Strathmore United Church and McDougall United Church where she participated in the 55+ Group, Healing Pathways, Prayer Circle, study groups, sponsorship of an immigrant family and the Inn from the Cold program. She participated in and served as a facilitator in the program “Fully Alive”. This program facilitated personal growth and change for those entering the retirement years. 

She was predeceased by her husband Dellas; her son, Stewart; and her brothers, Clifford (Stewie) and George; and her sister-in-law Vicky. She is survived by her sister, Shirley (Jim); her daughters Merle and Janice; her grandchildren Treva (Dory), Tara (Jason), Jessica (Robin), Kent (Tanis) and Stephen (Samantha); her beloved great-grandchildren Mira, Eleanor, Isaac, Huxley and Greyson; and nieces and nephews.

Dorothy will always be remembered for her warm smile and as an advocate for social justice, a lifelong athlete and a dedicated volunteer of her time and her heart. She will be greatly missed by all who were touched by her in love and friendship.

A Celebration of her Life will take place on Thursday, June 22nd at 1:00 pm at McDougall United Church, 8516 Athabasca Street SE, Calgary.