Dorothy Jean (Ritchie) Palmer

Obituary

Passed on

Peacefully Dorothy Palmer, with family by her side, passed away on Saturday, August 29th, 2026 at Rosewood Lodge Personal Care Home in Stonewall Manitoba.

Dorothy is predeceased by her husband Thomas (Gerry) Palmer, parents William John and Marguerite Jean Ritchie, sister-in-law Lois Ritchie and brother-in-law Bryan Palmer.  Surviving family members include her children Sherrie Lynn (Irvine), Kendall (Rosemary), Leanne (Lee), Grant (Carolyn) and son-in-law Blair (Laurie); grandchildren Quinn, Nick, Jamie, Derek, Hollie, Kyle, Sara, Ethan, Mark, and Jack; and great grandson Blake.  Dorothy is also survived by her brothers Bill and George Ritchie and sisters-in-law Sheila Ritchie and Bernice Palmer, many nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and good friends.

Mom attended Argyle School until she moved to Stonewall Collegiate for her high school years.  Upon choosing her career path in education, she enrolled in Normal School (teachers’ college) and attained her Professional First Class Teacher’s Certificate in 1958.   Mom taught at Aberdeen School in Winnipeg, Prince Charles School in Portage la Prairie, and Stony Mountain School. Mom and Dad were married on April 16th, 1960 and lived a short time in Winnipeg before moving to a house in Grosse Isle.  They soon purchased land and built a new home east of Grosse Isle.  There was no shortage of work as Mom and Dad tackled a new house, barren yard, need for outbuildings and clearing bush for fields.  They were a true partnership, tackling the tough work together to make ends meet and build a home and farming business.

As Dad worked off the farm, in the barn or doing field work, Mom carried the load of raising four children, looking after the house, meals and garden, handling the farm books, and managing time to substitute teach at Grosse Isle School and Rock Lake Colony. Mom was our regular driver to sports practices and games and overseer of homework getting done.

In 1998, Mom and Dad left the farm, moving to a house in Stonewall.  There, Mom continued to take pride in her garden and flowers.  In 2015, they moved to Lions Manor.  More friendships developed and they quickly became part of the Lions community.

Mom was a member of the Women’s Institute in Grosse Isle and faithful volunteer of the Recreation Club and Stonewall Hospital Auxiliary.  She and Dad enjoyed spending time and travelling with the Stonewall Oldtimers Hockey Team and cheering on the Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose.  Mom always accompanied Dad when he went to toy shows to display his impressive collection of International Harvester toys.  They had a wonderful, fun loving group of friends and we will always remember the Grey Cup parties, the New Years Day breakfasts and all the birthdays and anniversaries celebrated together.

Retirement brought the opportunity to relax.  They enjoyed fishing trips to Lake of the Prairies, travelling to places such as Alberta, Arizona, Missouri, California, the Canadian East Coast, and Alaska via cruise ship.  But their greatest joy was reserved for their grandchildren and all of their visits.  Mom invested love into the many meals she prepared for us all, making each gathering special for her family. 

Mom’s later years were filled with challenges as she dealt with afflictions that affected her body and mind.  No matter where she was, whether at Selkirk Hospital, Teulon or Rosewood Care Home, Dad was there with her through thick and thin, evidence of their strong partnership and love for each other.  Despite her condition, Mom enjoyed her visits with us all.  She especially enjoyed a special treat brought in (ice cream was a favourite) or outings to go shopping, out for lunch or most recently, to Quarry Days.

On behalf of Dorothy’s children and grandchildren, we want to express our gratitude to the Rosewood staff team.  We feel so fortunate that Mom’s last days were spent being so well cared for by everyone there.  Without exception, each person was compassionate and focused on Mom being comfortable.  That caring extended to family members as staff offered hugs and regular check ins to see if they could do anything for us.  Rosewood is a special place and we will be forever grateful to everyone there.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, September 21st, 2026 at 2:00 PM at the Stonewall Quarry Park Heritage Arts Centre, 166 Main Street, Stonewall, Manitoba.  (Accessible building access is available on the lower level.)

In lieu of flowers, should friends so desire, donations can be directed to Rosewood Lodge Personal Care Home – Recreation Program, 513 – 1st Ave. N., Stonewall, MB R0C 2Z0. 

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