DOROTHY McBAIN

Dorothy Meta McBain (Graham) died peacefully at the age of 94, on October 22nd, 2017. She lived a long and full life, staying active and engaged until her last day. She was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, to parents James Herman Graham and Anna Iris Watson Baird Graham on June 1st, 1923.

She married John James “Jack” McBain in 1949 and had four sons. Dorothy is survived by her sisters, Iris and Yvonne, her children Donald, Grant (Ileana), Bruce (Yuki), and Neil (Leanne [former]), and grandchildren Lindsey, Maria, Brenden, Sean, Max, and Kate, as well as two great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Jack, siblings James, Irene, and Russell, and daughter-in-law Erin.

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Dorothy was proud to have grown up on Maryland Street in Winnipeg. The family of eight occupied two rooms on the main floor of the house while the rest was rented out to help meet expenses. These experiences gave Dorothy a profound sense of gratitude and appreciation for the simplest things. She remained close to many of her childhood friends all their lives.

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In her early years, Dorothy worked at Winnipeg Electric. This position included the benefit of a bus pass, an amazing bonus that gave her a sense of freedom and of which she took full advantage.

Dorothy was a remarkable and devoted mother, always thinking of others and reminding her children to dress warm on cold days (even after they had become parents or grandparents themselves).

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In the late 70s, having successfully raised her children to independence, Dorothy no longer needed to come home to make lunches for the family every single day. She could finally pursue other ventures. She took swimming lessons, resumed bike riding with Jack, and visited many garage sales. She was a devoted Meals on Wheels volunteer, which she enjoyed while working alongside her friend Peggy for more than 10 years.  

Dorothy enjoyed time outdoors, walking the circuit in Assiniboine Park daily with her friends in all seasons (although minus twenty was their cutoff). Dorothy, Peggy, and Margaret met every two weeks for lunch, until well into their 80s when they decided they better meet weekly because, as they would say, you never know who will be around in two weeks time.

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At 85, she joined a gym where she attended a demanding and rewarding twice weekly exercise class, followed by coffee and cake with the gang. She was proud of her ability to travel there independently using handi-transit. She also loved spending time outside in her gazebo in both the sun and the snow.

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Dorothy will be remembered for her generosity, practicality, and sharp sense of humour. Not to mention the cheese buns, meatballs, chicken pies, bran muffins, fruit pies, and mince tarts.

A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m., Saturday, November 11th, 2017 at the Viscount Gort Hotel, 1670 Portage Ave.

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In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Gwen Secter Creative Living Centre.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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