Dorothy Garen

It is with great sadness that we announce that Dorothy Garen,

age 95, passed away in her sleep on Tuesday July 24, 2018,

a mere 5 weeks after her husband, Don.

Born October 29, 1922 in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Dorothy grew up

with her parents, Claud and Molly (Dreger) Chapman, her two sisters

and her brother. As a youngster, she lived in many different

locations throughout Western Canada as her father worked for Canadian Pacific Railways.

Dorothy served in the Royal Canadian Air Force from April 1942

to November 1945 and was discharged at the rank of Sergeant, receiving the Canadian Volunteer Service Medal. She was stationed

in both Ottawa and Vancouver.

She married Don Garen in 1947 and together they lived in Chatham, Red Deer and Windsor until they retired to Canmore in 1979.

Throughout her life, Dorothy was very active in local theatre - acting, singing, dancing and creating costumes. She studied both set design and interior design, and was a life-long sewer and avid weaver. She also sang and performed with the Sweet Adelines, a world-wide organization of women singers singing in the style of barbershop harmony.

She loved the outdoors and enjoyed camping, snow-shoeing, travelling, and was always up for an adventure.

Dorothy was a member of the Three Sisters Branch #3, Royal Canadian Legion and acted as Branch secretary for several years. She was a regular at bingo on Friday nights and loved her pull tickets. Dorothy volunteered at the 1988 Olympic events held at the Canmore Nordic Centre and also volunteered at the Canmore Highland Games where she ran the retail booth.

For the last four years, Dorothy was a resident at Golden Eagle View Long Term Care at the Canmore Hospital.

Dorothy is predeceased by her husband Don Garen (1924-2018),

her parents, sisters, Claudia and Marguerite, and brother, Bob.

She is survived by daughters Donna Garen and Sally Garen (Jo-Anne), grandchildren Polly Ubben (Bruce), Mandy Williams (Ian), Amy Johner (Dustin) and great-grandchildren Corbin and Chloe Ubben, Nia, Ali and Roger Williams and Georgia and Luca Johner.

Cremation has taken place. Dorothy was interred with full Legion honors in the Field of Honor at the Canmore Cemetery alongside Don on Tuesday, August 14, 2018. All were welcomed to attend.

A celebration of life followed at the Three Sister's Branch # 3,

Royal Canadian Legion in Canmore.

Dorothy's family wishes to extend our sincere thanks to the medical staff and aides at Golden Eagle View Long Term Care who knew and cared for her in her final years.

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.