Obituary of Dorothy Joan Perkins (nee Neff)

October 27, 1935 – Winnipeg, Manitoba

March 3, 2022 – Calgary, Alberta

Dorothy Perkins passed away on Thursday, March 3, 2022 at the age of 86 years.

Dorothy was born in Winnipeg and raised in Regina by her parents, Norman and Edith Neff, along with her younger brother Bill.

Dorothy graduated from Teachers College with a teaching certificate. She enrolled at the University of Saskatchewan to complete a degree in teaching, but instead met Dean Perkins at a school dance and they were married in 1958. After stops in Houston and Edmonton, Dorothy and Dean settled in Calgary and raised three children in the Chinook Park home that Dorothy lived in until just before her passing.

Despite being small in size, Dorothy was a good athlete. She especially enjoyed baseball, and she coached and umpired girls’ softball in Calgary for several years. Dorothy was also an avid bridge player and enjoyed 10 pin bowling. She was also an accomplished piano player and helped to direct the St. Andrews Presbyterian Church children’s choir when her children were part of the choir.

Dorothy was the glue that held the family together. She was compassionate and selfless, and always ready to help with a problem. She had a keen intellect and wit and she kept up her wisecracking ways until the very end.

Dorothy is survived by her daughter Delee Tholenaer; her two sons, Gary (Diane Hoy) and Cameron (Lynn); seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her brother Bill Neff (Annamarie) of Ottawa. She was predeceased by her husband Dean Perkins; son-in-law Bruce Tholenaer; and her parents, Edith and Norman.

Following Dorothy’s wishes, there will be no Funeral Services held.  Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Dorothy Perkins, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.