Obituary of Dorothy Morilda Sterling

STERLING- Dorothy Morilda Sterling passed away peacefully on October 7, 2008 at Whispering Pines Place Nursing Home at the age of 85 years. Dorothy was born on January 17, 1923 in Shellbrook, Sk, the eldest of three daughters of Hazel and Marcel Goudal. At birth Dorothy weighed less than two pounds, as the story goes her parents kept her in a shoe box by the stove. Dorothy attended school at Pleasantville. Early years consisted of mainly making mud pies down by the well. On November 8, 1945 Dorothy married Gordon Sterling in Shellbrook, Sk. They lived in the Dodge farmhouse their first winter together and then moved into Shellbrook where they resided until their move to Whispering Pines Nursing Home. Dorothy worked at various places in the Shellbrook area. Her dream was to become a kindergarten teacher; she certainly had all the qualities needed. Dorothy will be remembered as a very patient wife, mom, and grandmother. She loved to go on fishing, and shopping trips with her grandchildren. She loved to travel. Dorothy visited the United States, Australia, and New Zealand. Dorothy was very musical. She played the violin at home and played as well in an orchestra. She would play along with Don Messer and the Islanders or the Cotton Pickers with such tunes as Orange Blossom Special, the Tennessee Waltz or a heel and toe polka. Baking was another one of Dorothy's talents. She also had a soft spot for all animals and nature. She showed kindness to all animals and even fed the crows in her back yard as she felt sorry for them. Dorothy's family will remember her favorite saying; "If you are not living, then you are not living so you might as well be resting in peace". Dorothy will be lovingly remembered by: Her husband Gordon Sterling of Canwood,Sk. Her Daughters - Sandra Rowden (Stan) of Prince Albert, Sk; June (Don) Moe of Shellbrook, Sk. Her Grandchildren - Trevor (Erika) Rowden of Red Deer,AB; Jeff (Jill) Rowden of Prince Albert, Sk; Shawn (Rhonda) Rowden of Prince Albert, Sk; Scott (Krista) Moe of Shellbrook, Sk; Cheryl (Bradley) Ledding of Parkside, Sk; Sheldon (Monique) Moe of Shellbrook, Sk; Kris Moe (Melissa Thompson) of Shellbrook, Sk; Tyrel Moe (Ashley Martin) of Red Deer, AB., Her Sister - June Hansen of Prince Albert, Sk. Her Brother-in-law and Sister-in-law's - Bob and Betty Sterling of Shellbrook,Sk; Joyce Horsley of Campbell River,B.C., Her Great-Grand Children - Carter Moe, Taryn Moe, Alexi and Mason Rowden, Colby, Ryan, Anik Moe, Carson and Abby Ledding. Dorothy was predeceased by - Her Mother and Father- Marcel and Hazel Goudal. Her Sister and Brother-in-law - Eileen (Harry) Gordon. Brother-in-laws Ken Hansen and Thomas Horsley. The Funeral Service was held in St.Johns Lutheran Church, Friday, Oct. 10, 2008, 2:00p.m with Pastor Chris Dean as officiant. Special music was played by David Palm, and Claude Tucker. The Eulogist was June Moe. The Honorary Pallbearers were "All relatives and friends who shared in Dorothy's life". The Active Pallbearers were Trevor Rowden, Jeff Rowden, Shawn Rowden, Scott Moe, Sheldon Moe, Kris Moe, Tyrel Moe, and Cheryl Ledding. Memorial donations may be made to either Shellbrook and Districts Health Services Project or SPCA or Whispering Pines Place Nursing Home. The Interment was held in Shellbrook Cemetery.