Obituary of Dorothy Barbara HAWKES (nee Gish)

June 5, 1923 – Clive, Alberta
January 20, 2021 – Calgary, Alberta

Dorothy was born in Clive, AB and ascended in love, on a Bluebird Alberta day, looking over her Rocky Mountains at the age of 97.

Dorothy was born to Robert and Lillian Gish and was the eldest of four children. As a child she developed a love for music through the church and the Metropolitan Opera radio program. She met her loving husband, Doug through the Grace Presbyterian Church in Calgary and they enjoyed 65 active years of marriage that kept them forever young. Dorothy was very proud of her rural Alberta roots.

Dorothy was a poster girl for a generation the likes we may never see again. A generation that believed in kindness and living by the Golden Rule. She was a true matriarch, always giving help but resisted accepting it. She had unshakable, but practical optimism. She had a strong and determined mind that stayed with her to her final day. Dorothy practiced kindness and graciousness to others, no matter what the circumstances. Dorothy was always welcoming and had a genuine interest in everyone. Her home had an open door policy and was a gathering place for all as they knew they would be welcome.

An important part of Dorothy’s life was her participation with the Skyline Hikers where she was involved from 1968 to her last hike in 1983 and loved her years as camp hostess to so many new and old friends every year. Dorothy made an impact on so many. She believed you must accept and adapt to what life gives you. Dorothy had many passions most notably music, singing, opera, bridge, hiking, cross-country skiing, reading and, of course, her beloved cabin.

Dorothy is survived by her loving sons, Gerald, David (Shelagh), John (Vonnie), Robert (Patricia) and Peter (Heather); fifteen grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her younger brother Norman Gish, along with many extended family and friends who will always remember they had the most remarkable friend and loving Grams.

Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Doug, as well as her sister Sylvia Lawson and brother Robert Gish.

Congratulations Dorothy on a life well lived!

Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” John Wesley

We sincerely want to thank the ‘Angels’ at Southwood Hospice who provided compassion and care to Mom over the past number of months and a special thank you to Walter, at Auburn Heights, for his nightly prayers with Dorothy

A Private Family Service will be held on Wednesday, February 17, 2021. All others are invited to watch a recording of the service the day following. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Dorothy’s obituary at www.McinnisandHolloway.com.

If friends so desire, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Calgary Opera, 1315 7 Street SW, Calgary, AB T2R 1A5 TELEPHONE: (403) 262-7286, https://calgaryopera.com/donate or to the charity of your choice. 

In living memory of Dorothy Hawkes, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.