Obituary of Dorothy Patricia Heald
Dot passed away September 21, 2024, in Red Deer Alberta at the age of 93 years.
Dot was Born in Vegreville, Alberta October 5, 1931, to Gabrielle and George Porter. Second youngest in a family of 6 children. The family was relocated to Clive as part of CPR life. This is where she met her true love Stan Heald at the tender age of 16.
Stan and Dot lived a long and content life in Clive where they raised their three children along with as many pets as was reasonable. Dot had a passion for rescuing strays, especially in the winter.
In early years she worked for AGT in Edmonton, then at the Clive general store, and after traveling across Canada with Stan’s work she settled into the role of Mommy to their 3 children. With so much love to give she and Stan eventually opened their hearts and welcomed foster children into their home and enjoyed an extended family for many years.
Dot was very involved in the community, a lively competitor in all games, an avid curler and a skilled swimmer. Dot volunteered as a mentor at the Clive Elementary School for many years. She and Stan loved camping at Lions Campground and bike riding along the trails on the Red Deer River. Family visits to BC and the US made for memorable vacations.
Mom was a master at hosting an enormous number of guests for enormous dinners in our tiny house. The word stress was simply not in her vocabulary. Forever the entertainer and life of the party, her friendship was all inclusive. Her generosity had no end, including handing out care packages of food to friends in need, volunteering to house clean, wash walls, paint, driving for appointments, anything anytime.
Dot truly had the gift of music in her, any song with any pep had her movin’. It came naturally as she played many instruments by ear. Dot was involved in every event she was invited to participate in and loved dressing up in ridiculous costumes and making people laugh. She shared her musical talent for many weddings church service, Christmas celebrations and later played in a band bouncing on her keyboard all over Central Alberta. Dot will win first prize for Super Grama ready for anything with her granddaughter Ashley. She was the big kid at Moonwalker, on the waterslide or any wild ride at the fair.
Dot is survived by her daughter, Diane, (Lyle and granddaughter Ashley) and daughter-in-law, Rhonda Heald.
She was predeceased by her husband Stan, her son Donald and daughter Marilyn.
Many thanks to the staff and friends at Taylor View Towers, specifically Bow Valley Cottage. Your love and care will never be forgotten.
The music in our lives has gone quiet You will be forever missed Mom.
Condolences to Dot’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Heald” in the subject line.
Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944