DOROTHY MARKUSSON

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DOROTHY MARKUSSON Suddenly on March 7, 2018, our "GG" passed away. Left to mourn the loss is her husband Albert Markusson, son Michael (Cynthia), daughter Colleen (Dave), son Ken (Beverley), grandchildren, Leanne (Mickey), Erin (Paul), Jason (Ewelina), Elizabeth, Ryan (Tami), Krystle (Andrew) and Jessica, great-grandchildren, Brayden, Koral, Dyllen, Sam, Alivia, Colby, Roman, Isabella and Benjamin. "Grandma Do" has one remaining sister, Florence who is left from the McDonald siblings, a plethora of nieces, nephews and friends from all the places she had worked at and organizations she volunteered with. Dorothy was predeceased by her parents Connie and Jo McDonald, eight of her nine siblings, many other loved ones, and her multitude of loved dogs who will no doubt be happy to greet her in heaven. Dorothy spent many years at Standard Aero and finally retired when she had earned her very own "Dot Day". While her family was in Winnipeg, Al and Do headed to Rainy River and slowly converted a tiny cottage into an all season home. With many beds, shortbread cookies, cabbage rolls and stories to share, GG welcomed anyone who wanted to stay for a visit. Family, friends, and extended family were all greeted on the deck and walked into GG's and Grandpa's home as if they had always been there. Many nights were spent watching raccoons and birds, doing "Bear Patrol", listening to the camp kids in Beaudette scream at night and of course, the evening news. Grandma was never too busy for a quick caesar, a spin in the yard with the lawnmower (hauling grandchildren) or to whip up cookies that would sit in her "Green Cookie Containers". Dorothy loved her children and the spouses that soon became her kids (instead of in-laws). Dorothy loved recalling her fond memories of the home on Cathedral, summers at Oasis, and as she got older, volunteering with Knox United Church and the Women's Hospital Auxiliary. Grandma cooked an amazing turkey, made the best fancy sandwiches and had a kitchen so clean you couldn't believe she just spent hours cooking a feast. As her grandchildren had kids of their own, she was so happy to welcome her great-grandchildren into her loving arms. We are all blessed to know that her greatest joy was rocking for hours holding all of the little ones who earned her the name "GG". In 2005, Do and Al sold their Rainy River home and moved back to Winnipeg to be closer to their family. The apartment (albeit smaller) was a welcome place filled with pictures of family, snacks a plenty and the wind chimes she had collected for years. As time passed and Al needed a bit more care, he moved into Luther Care Home and Dorothy into an attached building so that she was a quick tunnel away. She spent many hours visiting Al and helping where she could. She enjoyed the coffee parties and performances and bingo that her and Al could play together in the activity room. Many at the Luther Home and the building she lived in will miss her and her magazine sharing. Grandma could swear like a sailor but was one of the kindest most gentle ladies you would ever meet. No day will ever be the same for her remaining loved ones. Many phone calls, Red Lobster dates, Bulk Barn, casino dates and Safeway runs would happily be traded for just one more day with GG. A service will be held to celebrate her life at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 16, 2018, at Neil Bardal Funeral Centre, 3030 Notre Dame (across from Brookside Cemetery). All are welcome! Donations may be made in Dorothy's name to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, Winnipeg Humane Society, or to the Luther Home of Winnipeg. NEIL BARDAL FUNERAL CENTRE 204-949-2200 neilbardalinc.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 10, 2018