DOROTHY ELAINE JACKS (MACLEAY)

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DOROTHY ELAINE JACKS (nee MACLEAY) June 2, 1925 - May 12, 2016 In deep sorrow, we announce the loss of Dorothy Jacks, three weeks shy of her 91st birthday, at the Grace Hospital. She was predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Donald; parents Allan and Blanche Macleay; Don's parents Douglas and Mary Jacks; and her daughter Beverley. She was also predeceased by Don's brothers Milton and Dr. Quentin and their respective spouses, Lois and Marion, and her nephew Douglas. Dorothy is survived by son Allan (Evelyn) of Winnipeg, their children, Cordell (Tamara) and Donald; daughter Barbara (Greg) Davenport of Okotoks, AB, their children, Talia (Jason Macmurchy), great-grandchildren, Kai and Nash; Taylor (fiancé Neda Jafar); and Austin (Jessica); daughter Lori (Mark) Cullen of Edmonton, AB, their children, Jacqueline and Nicola; Beverley's daughters: Becky Jacks, great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Makenna and Sloan; and Ashley Jacks, great-granddaughter Vaeda; and Becky and Ashley's father, Jeff Swan. "Dotty" is also survived by sister-in-law and best friend Yvonne Millar, and many nieces and nephews. Mom was born in Yorkton, SK. As an only child, she grew up in a one room apartment with her parents in Brandon, MB. She never had a room of her own, with only a sofa for a bed. In spite of this she often hosted card parties for her girlfriends, with these friendships spanning eight decades. In her early years, Mom attended secretarial school and worked in Brandon. She also enjoyed modelling the latest fashions at shows put on by the Joanne Shop. Mom loved knitting, painting and music, having self-taught on the piano. During the war years she enjoyed attending dances with girlfriends at the Commonwealth Air Training Base at Rivers. Having met Don at age 13, they resumed their courtship upon his return from the Second World War and they continued to love to dance together to big band music. In fact, in the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s whenever she and Dad walked into any one of Winnipeg's many piano bars, the pianists would always immediately recognize her by playing her favourite song: "Misty"! Once married, Dorothy and Don started their adventure together living in many cities across Western Canada and Ontario. She was always the perfect mother, homemaker and entertainer. Her hair was always perfectly styled, her nails beautifully done and she was always impeccably dressed, ever-ready for Don's last minute announcements that he was bringing home clients, friends or colleagues in the next half hour. Mom and Dad enjoyed travelling around the world and spent many happy winters in Pompano Beach and Ft. Lauderdale, FL. They also enjoyed regularly hosting home-cooked feasts at their home on Yale Avenue as well as entertaining-out at the Winnipeg Winter Club and the Manitoba Club. In later years they lived and made numerous friends at the farm in Okotoks and their home in Erickson. Most of all, she loved summers at "the Cottage" on the North Shore of Clear Lake. It was the happiest meeting place for family, friends and new acquaintances. Each evening she enjoyed the traditional cocktail hour cruise to watch the sunset on the lake, followed by a late night, always-fabulous supper. Mom especially took simple pleasure in sharing a peanut butter and Spanish onion sandwich with a cold beer with Yvonne on a hot summer day. Mom enjoyed active participation in I.O.D.E. in Burlington, and volunteered with Misericordia Hospital in Winnipeg. Most of all she really loved volunteering as an antique buyer for the Things Antique and Gifts Shop in support of the Royal Winnipeg Ballet. No matter how rough the area might be, she had no fear in venturing out alone, in all seasons, in search of the best deals on the nicest items at auction houses and estate sales throughout the city. Mom adored her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and loved to snuggle, read stories and chat about their daily lives and adventures. (She was not quite so fond of pets, but cheerfully endured a lifetime of family dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, white rats, baby chicks, and various strays, as well as birds and a plethora of fish.) Mom specifically requested thanks be extended to the many medical teams, health care aides, volunteers and cleaning staff that helped along her journey: including St. Boniface Hospital, CancerCare, Grace Hospital, Provincial Home Care, Shaftesbury Park Retirement Residence and many others. Special thanks to her physician, Dr. Rolly Hayward. At Dorothy's request cremation has taken place. A private family gathering and interment will take place later this summer at Clear Lake. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to CancerCare, The Canadian Diabetes Association or the Salvation Army, in memory of Dorothy Jacks. The Coutu family in care of arrangements: E.J. COUTU & CO. FUNERAL DIRECTORS 680 Archibald Street 204-253-5086 ejcoutu.com

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 21, 2016