Mrs. Sharp, as she was known to generations of students, passed away peacefully at Chemainus Health Care Centre on Sept. 27, 2006. Dot was born on July 28, 1920, the fourth of eight children. Being raised on an orchard near Penticton and spending summers visiting her uncle on the Oregon Coast proved a fertile background for Dot’s competitive and active mind. She was an excellent student, and after completing high school, went to Normal School in Victoria and became a teacher. Dot’s sense of adventure led her to accept teaching positions in such diverse communities as Sproule Creek near Nelson, and Coalmont, before returning to Penticton in the early 1940’s. By 1947 she had met, fallen in love with, and married George. They raised four children, who have many fond memories of their growing up years. Throughout their married life, Dot and George and their children lived first in Ladysmith, then Chemainus and Lake Cowichan, before finally returning to Ladysmith. Dot taught in both Lake Cowichan and Ladysmith, and retired from teaching in 1978. She was a good teacher and due to her kind and gentle nature (as well as her small stature) was well liked by her many students. Throughout her life, this wonderful cook loved to crochet, garden, do crosswords, and spend time with her family. Her love of children was evident even after her retirement where she routinely collected her grandchildren for such events as Easter egg coloring or Christmas picture drawing. She and George spent many enjoyable hours with their grandchildren, going on road trips to see her family, family celebrations, dinners at the Lung Fung, and just plain time together. Dot was a loving mother who was proud of the accomplishments of all her children, and will be remembered as a generous hostess, famous for her Nanaimo Bars, Christmas Cakes, Pies and after dinner games of Rummoli. Dot was predeceased by her parents Pearl and Robert McDowell; her sisters: Grace (Cecil), Betty (Allan), Hazel (Clayton), Barbara, Diane (Jack); and her brother, Bob (Edna). She is survived by her beloved husband of 59 years, George; her sister, Lorraine (Fred); her children: John (Esther) Robert (Yvonne), Dorothy (Pat), and George (Tracey); her grandchildren: Scott (Sandra), Cohn, Kerri, Curtis (Crystal), Kory-Anne (Chris), Erica (Eric), Shylah (Mike), Jeff, Mark and Erin; her great grandchildren: Heather and Tiffany; and numerous nieces and nephews. Dot was a loving mother and grandmother and will be fondly remembered by all her family for her calm and caring ways. Sadly, this bright and articulate woman suffered from Alzheimer’s Disease during her last few years. As a result of this illness she spent 2 and a half years in the Chemainus Health Care Centre. Our family would like to thank the staff there for the wonderful care they provided to her. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society or the charity of your choice.
A celebration of Dot’s life will take place on Monday, October 2, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. at the First United Church in Ladysmith.