Obituary of Dorothy Baillie

BAILLIE: Mrs. Evan Baillie died at Virden, MB on January 06, 2010 at the age of 88 years. Mellissa Dorothy Baillie was born on October 07, 1921 in the farm home of her parents, Maude and Andrew Bell, located south of Harding, Manitoba. She and her only sibling, a dearly loved brother, Gordon, grew up happily on the farm and attended the rural school Education Point #327. In spite of the devastating depression, her parents somehow managed to send her to high school. She graduated from Grade 12 from Hamiota in 1940, winning a scholarship which enabled her to attend Brandon Normal school. She taught at Lothair school near Rivers until her marriage to Clarence Evan Baillie of St. David district north of Oak Lake, Manitoba, in January of 1943.

While Evan served overseas during the Second World War, Dorothy taught at Petrol, Errol and Deleau schools. In 1946, they moved to Flin Flon and in 1958, they moved to Snow Lake where they lived for 19 years. They loved the north. Together, they enjoyed their summer homes on Little Athapapa and Tramping lakes, the boating and fishing.

These were busy years as the Baillies were very much involved in the community. Dorothy taught for 13 years in the Snow Lake school. She was always interested in dramatic presentations and directed many plays and operettas.

Dorothy especially enjoyed curling, and served the curling club in many ways, including President. She was Treasurer for the music Festival Association. For 16 consecutive years, was Treasurer for the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies Auxiliary. Her services were recognized in many ways including, a Diamond Jubilee Medal.

In 1977, Evan and Dorothy retired to Oak Lake, where they enjoyed 12 happy years together. Here at various times, Dorothy served as Treasurer of the Oak Lake Ambulance and served as Vice President Secretary and as President of the Legion Ladies Auxiliary to Branch # 79. Most recently she received her 50-year medal.

Dorothy also served as the Legion Ladies Zone 22 Deputy Zone Commander and as Zone Commander for 10 years, as well as President of the Newspaper Board and Vice President of the Oakview Seniors club.

Evan and Dorothy loved to travel by trailer or motorhome. Over the years they traveled across Canada and the U.S.A. many times and spent several winters in Arizona. Following Evan's sudden death, Dorothy was devastated but continued to live in their home in Oak Lake. She was grateful for the help of many neighbors during these difficult years and for the support of the small caring community of Oak Lake.

Dorothy spent many hours observing and learning about birds. She and Evan monitored a bluebird nestline for 10 years. The birds, the garden and her needlework were her joys in her life. She loved to sing and during the later years in Oak Lake she was grateful for the fellowship afforded by the Community Choir and the United Church Choir.

A Celebration of Dorothy's Life was held at the Oak Lake United Church, Oak Lake, Manitoba, on Thursday, January 14, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Craig Miller officiating. A reception followed at the Legion Hall. Interment will take place at Rosewood Memorial Gardens at a later date. Donations in memory of Dorothy may be made to the Oak Lake United Church, Box 89, Oak Lake, MB, R0M 1P0.