The family of Dorothy Daniel is sad to announce her passing on April 28, 2023, just shy of her 103rd birthday. Dorothy was born on May 24, 1920, in England.
Dorothy started her nursing career in the fall of 1938 at Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham. Dorothy, along with 38 nursing colleagues were the first students to pass through its doors. Shortly after WWII broke out, the QE became a military hospital treating many from the front lines. From 1939 to 1945, it was a busy time for the hospital seeing 6000 patients with only 2200 lost.
Dorothy took midwifery in Scotland as part of her training before graduating in 1942. She was told by the military on three separate occasions she would not be allowed to enlist overseas because she was at a military hospital.
In 1944, Dorothy was moved to the Allied Military Convalescent and Blind Hospital for the Commonwealth at Church Stretton where she met a soldier named Elmer. Elmer had lost 60 percent of his eyesight, had a bad attitude, and a cough but Elmer would place chocolate bars under her pillow, and this started their romance. Dorothy and Elmer were married in February 1945 and arrived in Canada separately in April to start their life.
Shortly after arriving in Canada, she received a call from a Doctor in Regina who wanted her to work with him. Dorothy politely declined as she and Elmer started farming on the former Hitchcock 1⁄2 section. Their family quickly grew with the birth of Annette and over the next two years and eight months Linda and Art were born. With the help of their children the farm quickly grew.
Dorothy invested in 1000 turkeys, to which the children said never again, but this allowed them to have another 1⁄4 section of land and 10 heifers to start their Hereford cattle herd.
Dorothy and Elmer loved family, farming, and their community. Elmer used his wisdom as a Legion member and Dorothy used her nursing knowledge to work with families, doctors, as well as giving volunteer medical help.
Dorothy received the Saskatchewan Senior Volunteer Service Award and Veteran Affairs Recognition Award for World War II in 2010. After retiring from farming, Dorothy and Elmer were able to travel more and had the privilege of having a winter home in Trails End, Weslaco, Texas for 20 years.
Dorothy is survived by her children Annette (Chet) Stevenson, Linda Yuke and Arthur Daniel; grandchildren Angela (Ken) McDougall, Blair (Stephanie) Yuke, Lloyd (Christina) Daniel, Katey Daniel, Karen (Jeff) Dombowsky, Robert (Leah) Daniel, DeAnn (Jason) Eckdahl and Greg (Kari) Stevenson; Shirley Daniel (sister-in-law, wife of Peter Daniel); as well as numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, many of which are following in the family footsteps in the farming sector; many nephews, nieces and their families.
She is predeceased by her husband of 54 years Elmer Arthur Daniel; daughter-in-law Janis Daniel, mother Sarah (Herbert) Sheldon; sister Mary (Derek) Singleton and niece Wendy Maddocks.
The family of Dorothy wish to thank all those who have helped our Mom and Grandma with her care over the years, including those at the Coteau Range Manor in Avonlea and Extendicare Moose Jaw. We also thank all those who spent time entertaining her these last few years, including Marilyn Keerak and Paul Geraghty who spent time talking about England and sharing her love for nature and art.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Saturday June 24, 2023, at 2:00PM at W.J. Jones & Son Funeral Home, 474 Hochelaga St W., Moose Jaw. Those unable to attend, can view the recorded service on YouTube by clicking the link https://youtu.be/10rTo672PpA . In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Avonlea Friendly Neighbors, Box 383 Avonlea, Saskatchewan, SOH OCO.
In living memory of Dorothy, a memorial planting will be made by W.J. Jones & Son Ltd.
