Dorothy Ellen Familton

Dorothy Ellen Familton (nee Denslow)

     With saddened hearts, but many fond memories, the family of Dorothy Ellen Familton announces the passing of an extraordinary lady and the last family member of her generation. In the sunny, early morning hours of April 17, 2023, Dorothy quietly and peacefully headed home to be with her heavenly family. Dorothy was born on August 16, 1923, at home on the Gainsborough family farm. She passed away four months shy of reaching her milestone 100th birthday. As an avid lifelong fan of the English monarchy, we know she would have cherished and were so hoping for her to celebrate her 100th birthday and receive her Royal Commemorative letter from King Charles.

     Dorothy was pre-deceased by her husband Thomas Familton, parents Charles and Annie Denslow, brothers; John, Charles, Gilbert (in infancy), Arthur, Clarence, Dallas, Leslie, sister Patricia (at 6 years), and the youngest of the family, Donald. Dorothy will be lovingly remembered and missed by her sisters-in-law Marjorie and Grace Denslow, her many nieces and nephews, cousins, and their families.

     Dorothy was a proud, regal, and independent woman with a perfect dash of feisty. These traits served her well and contributed to her remarkable life adventures and accomplishments. With her Mom's full support, in 1944, Dorothy joined the Canadian Women's Army Corps (CWAC) during the Second World War, in a non-combatant supportive branch in Vancouver. She was extremely proud of this role and loved to share her stories of this time. Following her discharge from CWAC Dorothy took a dress designing course through the Department of Veteran's Affairs and worked at the Vogue dress shop in Portage. Everyone who knew Dorothy knew of her lifelong love of quality and beautiful clothing, which was reflected through her own garment creations and personal wardrobe. This earned her the informal and honorary title of Queen Mother of her family. Dorothy soon returned to BC and through good friends, who eventually became her sisters-in-law, she met and married her beloved husband Thomas Familton in 1956. During Tom's deployment to Egypt, she stayed with her brother Arthur's family in High Bluff. From 1971-1983 Tom and Dorothy owned and managed the general store in Dufresne, Manitoba. Tom was also employed as the postmaster. Upon his retirement, Dorothy assumed the position of postmistress. She was so very proud of this role and the responsibility of this role to the community and her many friends of Dufresne. Upon her retirement, Tom and Dorothy moved back to BC. Tom remained her loving partner until his death in 1994.

     Dorothy had a big heart and a generous soul. She prioritized family and loved to help in any way she could, even taking swimming lessons at Norquay Beach (now Creekside Camping and RV Park) with her many nieces and nephews. Dorothy joined the Order of Royal Purple in Vancouver and was an active lifetime member in both BC and Manitoba. Dorothy enjoyed doing ceramics and was also a very talented painter. Painting birds was her specialty. Many family members are proud recipients of her treasured creations. Dorothy also LOVED travelling, most especially cruising! Often accompanied by family members, her travels took her to Alaska, England, Scotland, Wales, and the Panama Canal. Her travels to England introduced her to her father's English family. Lifelong connections were made and cherished and regular telephone conversations commenced. A special relationship with cousin Gerald Goddard developed. His friendship and his visit to Canada brought enormous joy to Dorothy. Her family history in England and her love of the monarchy is perhaps what spawned another passion, her love for horse racing. Although the origin of this passion is unknown for sure, what was certain, was that only the grey horse got her bet. At the age of 54 years young, Dorothy earned her driver's license. Her yellow 1970 Torino brought her immense pride and was the envy of many of her nephews and nieces. In her belongings, was the nameplate of her beloved Torino.

     Not too long after Tom's death, Dorothy returned to Portage la Prairie from BC and resided in a beautiful apartment along Crescent Lake. When her health started to decline, she again initiated a move, this time to Douglas Campbell Lodge where she resided for almost 10 years, until her passing. Dorothy loved her choice and her time at Douglas Campbell Lodge. Her family is forever grateful to her Douglas Campbell Lodge extended family, for the respectful, loving, and professional care she received.

     Honoring Dorothy's request, cremation has taken place. At her request there will not be a funeral. Internment at Hillside Cemetery will occur in the summer.  If friends/family so desire, donations to PAWS, 121 – 12 St. NE, Portage la Prairie, MB   R1N 4A2 or Douglas Campbell Lodge, 150 9th St. SE, Portage la Prairie, MB   R1N 3T6 would be gratefully welcomed. 

Messages of condolences can be made online at www.omegafuneralhome.com. 

Omega Funeral Home has been entrusted with arrangements. 

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