Obituary of Dolores Elanor Dixon
August 12, 1928 - Camrose, Alberta
January 14, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta
Dolores Elanor Dixon of Calgary, AB, passed away on Friday, January 14, 2022, at the age of 93 years.
Dolores was born on August 12, 1928, in Camrose, AB to the late Leslie Anderson and Nina Bernice Keller. Family life was difficult at that time, and at the age of six Dolores was raised by her Keller grandparents in Camrose with her two older brothers, Norman and Roy. Cousin Helen’s family had a farm near Camrose where the children would visit frequently. Dolores had fond memories of her brothers’ practical jokes and antics growing up, though her grandparents were strict. Dolores also has a sister, Arlee Tracey. Though the two sisters did not live together, they developed a close bond over the years.
Dolores moved to Edmonton, AB, in her teens and worked in a dental office. After WWII her brother Roy introduced her to a naval mate who became her soon to be husband. In 1948, Dolores and Frank Dixon were married and established a home in Wetaskiwin, AB, where Frank worked for the Canadian Pacific Railroad. Their two daughters were born in Wetaskiwin, Brenda (1949) and Diane (1950). In 1951, the family moved to Calgary, AB, and a year later their son Frank (1952) was born. In 1955, Dolores bore her last child, Joanne. In Calgary, Dolores was active in the United Church and sang in the choir. Dolores always had a passion and love of music. Later in life Dolores joined the Order of the Eastern Star where she became the Worthy Matron for a period of time.
Dolores was an extremely hard-working woman. While raising three children and pregnant with her fourth child, there are memories of her helping to dig out a basement floor. Dolores was a great cook and did it all from memory: pies, desserts, and hearty meals which her family all appreciated. Dolores was a devoted wife and mother and she loved life. She could find humour in almost any situation. She had an infectious laugh, loved to tell stories and in her presence you could not help but laugh with her.
Dolores was very sports-minded, despite her weak leg due to polio as a young child. Dolores had a fantastic wit and a great capacity for remembering facts. She loved the movies and knew the actors for films by heart. She was the person you wanted on your team when playing Trivial Pursuits, particularly if you needed to answer entertainment or sports questions.
In 1966, the CPR moved the family to Kamloops, B.C., then in 1968 moved to Brandon, MB, where the family remained for eight years. Dolores developed many lifelong friendships in Brandon. She resumed her love of curling by skipping a rink and being active in the sport. She loved watching niece, Jackie Rae Greening, curl at a highly competitive level.
In 1976, Frank and Dolores and youngest daughter, Joanne, moved to Surabaya (Java, Indonesia) when Frank accepted an assignment with CP consulting. There were many adventures during this time while living and travelling throughout Indonesia. After two years they returned to Canada moving to Saskatoon, SK, where Frank worked as an assistant superintendent. However, they missed the overseas adventures and in 1982 they accepted another consulting assignment in Indonesia. Initially in Bandung (Java) and then to Tanjung Karang (Sumatra). Dolores was not used to being pampered with servants and therefore treated the staff like family members and made genuine connections with them all. Her kind heart always showed through.
Dolores and Frank had many memorable vacations with brother Norman (nickname Casey) and his wife Betty. They especially loved going to Osoyoos, B.C. where Casey and Betty lived. Oldest daughter Brenda and husband Bob also owned a cottage there.
Dolores was predeceased by her husband, Frank, her two brothers, Norman and Roy (Phyllis). Dolores is survived by her sister, Arlee (Palm Springs) and sister-in-law Betty (Edmonton) as well as four children and their spouses; Brenda and Bob Comtois (Calgary), Diane and Jim Sanden (Calgary), Frank Dixon (Whiterock), and Joanne and Bob Mitchell (Calgary). Dolores is also survived by nine grandchildren; Shane and Sara Comtois (Calgary), Carrie Foster (Lethbridge), Tyler and Nicole Tarabula (Toronto), Trenton Tarabula (Calgary), Thomas and Dana Dixon (Whiterock), Leah and Matt Draper (Cranbrook), Karl Mitchell (Calgary), Ian Mitchell and Tia-Ly Upshaw (Edmonton), and Keith Mitchell (Edmonton). She is also survived by two step-grandchildren: Amy and Tom Lavigne (Calgary) and Tyler Sanden (Calgary),
ten great-grandchildren; Carter Comtois, Kaitlyn Comtois, Sophie Foster, Jake Foster, Theodore Dixon, Edith Dixon, Lewis Draper, Simon Draper, Navy Mitchell, one step great-grandchild, Eli Lavigne as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Graveside Services will be held at Queen’s Park Cemetery (3219 – 4th Street NW, Calgary, Lot 34 Block C12 Section P) on Saturday, May 21, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. Reception to follow at Brenda Comtois’s house (251150 Welland Way NW, Calgary) from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with light lunch and beverages. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.