Obituary for Olive Gertrude Dorey
No words can describe when we called for Mom , and she did not answer on the morning of Feb.21,2022. If Mom was to write a script for her last day, it would read like this: scallops and chips at lunch with Sharon, Scott and Harvey, a movie with her son, a drive with her family and her doggie, Skipper, to get an ice cream. “Good night” chats with Linda and Sharon. Scott and Harvey doing her little night time duties . A painless sleep where she never woke up. Mom passed away in the room her Dad passed away in – 67 years before.
Olive Gertrude Lerch was born in Dartmouth on May 9, 1935 to Franz Josef and Olive (Boutilier) Lerch. They navigated back to the family home in Fox Point when Mom was 10. In her late teens, Mom was the caregiver to her Father, until he passed . During her teen years, she worked as a switchboard operator . She met Dad working at the local margarine factory. Daniel and Olive Dorey were married for 63 years.
Soon enough, there were Sharon , Linda (Paul Wakeling), Danny , Scott , Harvey. It goes without saying – a very busy house . Wet snowsuits, wet mittens (pinned to your sleeve) in wintertime. Wet swimsuits in the summertime. Mom the caregiver tended to all meals and cleaning , all scrapes and bruises . There were no broken bones that we know of. Neighbourhood children were sent home much the same as they arrived. It was only recently we asked her, “What is your absolute favourite memory?”. She replied, “Doing the birthday parties for the girls.”
Mom was a caregiver to goats and countless baby goats .She bred numerous types of dogs, and saved many a stillborn puppy. There were cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, geese, goldfish, and birds . Her main pride was a baby crow she had taught to talk. We had many chickens too. They were cared for – albeit the chickens wouldn’t agree . The oven was not part of their plans. With all the animals,we were left thinking– should this lady have been a vet?
From 1955 to 1986. Mom also cared for her live-in mother. When Nan passed, Dr Cole said, "you extended her life by at least ten years. ". Should this lady have been a nurse?
She was also a lifelong member of the church. The choir was a bonus for her.
Last summer Mom’s granddaughter Melissa arrived with her husband Andrew and a special little man named Theo. Melissa was amazed at the instant attachment that formed between Great Grandma and Theo. The uncles and aunts were left working hard for that attachment.
Mom was predeceased by three older brothers, Carl, Alfred and Gerald.
There were many nieces and nephews who she loved as well. A special bond with her brother Carl and wife Norma later developed into very special bonds with their children, Murray, Steve and Janet.
Tragedy struck in 2018. Mom’s household was emptied with the deaths of her son and best friend Danny Jr, and four months later, her husband Danny Sr passed . She had cared for her son at home from Day 1 to age 54. He had serious back related issues.
So at age 83, well…Mom was alone in her once busy house. Should this lady be put in a home? Hell no.
Not one, but two sons moved back home with her. Mom’s word “burden” was beaten down at the door, and talks about “giving up your life” were turned into nonsensical comments. Mom adapted to her new life by reaching out to friends. We know who you are. Marilyn, Marg, Lorraine, Judy H, Judy M., Betty F, Betty G, Jane , Todd, John Mc.,The Heislers, Cathy,Carol,Anne H. and Allison (aka 3rd daughter). Apologies to those I missed. I know that plenty of kind words and good advice flowed in both directions. Hey - we overheard. We were amazed that when making calls about Mom’s passing, that the response was, “I was just talking to her 2 days ago.”
Finally, some of Mom likes : A meal with family, Clyde’s boat, flowers, a drive, swimming at the Cannery Beach across the road until age 81, ice cream, pets, phone calls with Sharon and Linda. Turning her kitchen into a restaurant complete with a professional menu designed by her son in law Paul, an award winning chef. Also, time spent with her, not money spent on her.
Our family thrives on all types of humour. With Mom living with, we will say, two entertaining sons, we always had a laugh at Mom’s quips . First being, “ If I win on this lottery ticket, I’m going to buy a trailer and live down the road.” The second, "Could you give me Krista’s number, she may know of a good home for me.” Our response to this today ? “We were honored and privileged to be the caregiver to the Caregiver.”
Olive Gertrude Lerch was born in Dartmouth on May 9, 1935 to Franz Josef and Olive (Boutilier) Lerch. They navigated back to the family home in Fox Point when Mom was 10. In her late teens, Mom was the caregiver to her Father, until he passed . During her teen years, she worked as a switchboard operator . She met Dad working at the local margarine factory. Daniel and Olive Dorey were married for 63 years.
Soon enough, there were Sharon , Linda (Paul Wakeling), Danny , Scott , Harvey. It goes without saying – a very busy house . Wet snowsuits, wet mittens (pinned to your sleeve) in wintertime. Wet swimsuits in the summertime. Mom the caregiver tended to all meals and cleaning , all scrapes and bruises . There were no broken bones that we know of. Neighbourhood children were sent home much the same as they arrived. It was only recently we asked her, “What is your absolute favourite memory?”. She replied, “Doing the birthday parties for the girls.”
Mom was a caregiver to goats and countless baby goats .She bred numerous types of dogs, and saved many a stillborn puppy. There were cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, geese, goldfish, and birds . Her main pride was a baby crow she had taught to talk. We had many chickens too. They were cared for – albeit the chickens wouldn’t agree . The oven was not part of their plans. With all the animals,we were left thinking– should this lady have been a vet?
From 1955 to 1986. Mom also cared for her live-in mother. When Nan passed, Dr Cole said, "you extended her life by at least ten years. ". Should this lady have been a nurse?
She was also a lifelong member of the church. The choir was a bonus for her.
Last summer Mom’s granddaughter Melissa arrived with her husband Andrew and a special little man named Theo. Melissa was amazed at the instant attachment that formed between Great Grandma and Theo. The uncles and aunts were left working hard for that attachment.
Mom was predeceased by three older brothers, Carl, Alfred and Gerald.
There were many nieces and nephews who she loved as well. A special bond with her brother Carl and wife Norma later developed into very special bonds with their children, Murray, Steve and Janet.
Tragedy struck in 2018. Mom’s household was emptied with the deaths of her son and best friend Danny Jr, and four months later, her husband Danny Sr passed . She had cared for her son at home from Day 1 to age 54. He had serious back related issues.
So at age 83, well…Mom was alone in her once busy house. Should this lady be put in a home? Hell no.
Not one, but two sons moved back home with her. Mom’s word “burden” was beaten down at the door, and talks about “giving up your life” were turned into nonsensical comments. Mom adapted to her new life by reaching out to friends. We know who you are. Marilyn, Marg, Lorraine, Judy H, Judy M., Betty F, Betty G, Jane , Todd, John Mc.,The Heislers, Cathy,Carol,Anne H. and Allison (aka 3rd daughter). Apologies to those I missed. I know that plenty of kind words and good advice flowed in both directions. Hey - we overheard. We were amazed that when making calls about Mom’s passing, that the response was, “I was just talking to her 2 days ago.”
Finally, some of Mom likes : A meal with family, Clyde’s boat, flowers, a drive, swimming at the Cannery Beach across the road until age 81, ice cream, pets, phone calls with Sharon and Linda. Turning her kitchen into a restaurant complete with a professional menu designed by her son in law Paul, an award winning chef. Also, time spent with her, not money spent on her.
Our family thrives on all types of humour. With Mom living with, we will say, two entertaining sons, we always had a laugh at Mom’s quips . First being, “ If I win on this lottery ticket, I’m going to buy a trailer and live down the road.” The second, "Could you give me Krista’s number, she may know of a good home for me.” Our response to this today ? “We were honored and privileged to be the caregiver to the Caregiver.”