Dorothy Ostlund

Our beautiful mom passed away peacefully, surrounded by family. She will be forever remembered by her children: Lowell (Debbie), Colleen (Wayne), Lori (Reg). Grandchildren: Erin, Devin; Katie (Kevin), Kelly (Alex); Angela (Jeff). Great grandsons: Bryce, Aden; Leo, and Avery.

Mom was born in Simpson, SK, the eldest of 4 children of Jim & Helen Bearss. On April 12, 1949 she married Earl Ostlund – a loving union that lasted over 70 years until Dad’s passing in 2020. They had many friends with whom they enjoyed dances, suppers, celebrations and card parties. Mom was a modern forward thinking woman, interested in learning new things and always knowledgeable about current events. She had a great sense of humour and loved a good joke or prank. Her pastimes included sewing, reading, travel, crafts and gardening. She took art classes in her 50’s resulting in many beautiful paintings. Mom was also a superb baker, cook and gracious hostess, opening her home to relatives and guests when they needed a place to stay. She took pride of her appearance and always looked lovely. Her earrings always perfectly matched her clothing! She was selfless, loving, and supportive of her family – actively involved in all their activities such as hiking, camping, biking, picnics, cards and boardgames. Or cheerleading at their sporting events. Mom had a particularly special bond with each of her grandchildren, and they adored her. “The best Grandma to ever grandma.” She was a friendly, kind, generous and gentle soul – always thinking of others. We are so blessed to have had her in our lives and will forever cherish our memories of her. At her request, there will be no funeral. If you wish to honor her, be kind or helpful to someone; make them feel special. She would love that.

~A few messages from Angela, Katie, and Kelly ~

"Yesterday was a hard day for our family. My Grandma passed away @ the age of 95. My favourite memories are going to my grandparents house every summer and Christmas holidays to spend time with them and my cousins. I loved swinging on the swings in the backyard and rolling down the hill, dressing up in grandma's old clothes and dancing around the house with my cousins. I loved sewing with my grandma and trying to sew my Barbie dolls clothes together. I loved listening to my grandma play the piano and grandpa playing the guitar. Our grandparents love was our safe space and I will forever be grateful. You may have passed on but your memories would always live on within us. Love you lots grandma rest in peace." - Angela, granddaughter to Dorothy

"had to say a very hard and sad goodbye to my grandma yesterday at the age of 95 . my grandma meant so much to me and to so many people. all the best memories happened over at "grandma's house" my favourites included christmas eves with all the cousins, summer afternoons playing dress up in grandma's clothes, dancing around the basement, swinging on the swingset, picking raspberries, trying to stealthily open the downstairs freezer to snack on a yummy chocolate with white icing cookie before dinner (she always heard the lid creak open and would yell down to us but never actually denied us the cookie- or 2 or 3), and playing cards and tile rummy, "grandma's house" was our safe place to go and just hang out and we'd be constantly walking and biking back and forth between our house and grandma's when we were younger. when my grandparents would visit us, which was often, we'd cherish every moment and even run to the end of the block to wave as their car would drive away. just couldn't get enough of their company. my grandma was an expert sewer, baker, organ player and gardener among many other things. she and my grandpa enjoyed card games with their group of friends and going dancing! she loved her family. she created a space for us all to make so many memories and bring family together, even on her last day. she was positive, resilient and strong even though many tough times including when my grandpa was sick, covid and having to move homes. she was a fashionista. i will miss her terribly but know she's been waiting quite awhile to be free of any physical struggles and to be in my grandpa's company again. we are grateful she was of sound mind and was able to continue getting together with us up until her very last days. that chapter of my childhood closes with her being gone and is just memories now and that is very hard. we will remember you with so much love, grandma" - Katie, granddaughter to Dorothy

"The further into motherhood I get, the more intricately I understand that the women of a family are the creators and preservers of tradition. I don’t sew well, can’t make a pie crust to save my life, I’m a mediocre cook at best, but everything I know about pouring into your children and creating a childhood for them that is worthy of idealizing later, comes from the women in our family, fiercely dedicated to that pursuit.

Every elaborate birthday cake, every magical Christmas morning, every complicated Halloween costume, every loudest sideline cheering section, every trip down to the back garden, and ice cream “lunch” (with sprinkles) before bed, is in legacy to one of the best to ever do it.

We’ll miss you with all the time we have left, Grandma, and love the heck out of each other <3" - Kelly, granddaughter to Dorothy

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