Dorothy “Dot” Craine
Oct 3, 1924 – Nov 29, 2021
It is with great sadness the family of Dorothy “Dot” Craine from Morinville, AB announce her passing on November 29th, 2021 at the age of 97.
Dot was born Oct 3, 1924 on the family farm at Brunetta (near Lomond), youngest daughter of Bill and Rose Brotherwood. After finishing school at Brunetta, she worked for local families helping with childcare, cleaning and cooking meals during harvest season. For a brief time, Dot also worked as a telephone operator in Milo.
While working on the Stokes farm (Jim and Amy), she started dating Amy’s brother Herbert (Herb) Craine and they married on Jun 26, 1947. Farming kept them busy but they did enjoy a trip to England and spending time camping with friends. Dot and Herb had 3 children – Esther, Allan and Amelia. Herb passed away Feb 11, 1974. Dot continued to live on the farm for many years.
Music was a big part of Dot’s life. She played a button accordion for birthdays, dances, weddings, funerals, at church, and on camping trips. There was always a good excuse to pull out the accordion. Dot enjoyed travelling with friends and family and went on many bus tours and several trips to the Norsk Hostfest music festival in Minot, ND. Dot and her son Allan would travel all around visiting family whenever he came home for visits. She enjoyed playing crib and Scrabble and always carried a Circle-the-Word book on her travels.
Eventually, Dot moved into Lomond where she met her neighbour, Charlie Challman. They soon became very good friends and spent a lot of time travelling around the countryside on little adventures. In July of 2011, Dot moved to Morinville where she made new friends at the local coffee shop and at the Morinville United Church. She recently moved to Chateau Sturgeon Lodge in Legal in Sept 2021, but unfortunately spent most of her time in hospital between then and her passing in November.
Dot is survived by daughters Esther Deep and Amelia Peterson, grandchildren Sharlene (Andres) Matheson, Carl Peterson, Dana Peterson, great-grandchildren Alexander and Sarah Matheson, beloved friend Charlie Challman, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and her many friends.
She was predeceased by her husband Herb Craine, son Allan Craine, brothers Bill and George “Mutt” Brotherwood, and sister Kate Howell.
Dot was someone you couldn’t help but love. She was always such a positive person, with a smile on her face, a great sense of humour and was a joy to be around. She will be dearly missed by all.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Canadian Down Syndrome Society, Suite 202, 1001 – 1st Street S.E., Calgary, AB, T2G 5G3 or a charity of your choice.
Due to Covid restrictions a private service will be held at the Vulcan United Church on Dec 9, 2021.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
My deepest condolences to the family. I remember Dot as being full of life, always smiling and happy when I had the pleasure of talking with her. She was one of those Lomond ladies that you always looked forward to visiting with. She always made a point to come over and say hello, ask how we were doing, inquire about my kids. She will be dearly missed by many.
The Brotherwoods were our closest neighbours and good friends. When I first started going to dances, Kate and Dot were both still single and would be there. I also remember your Mom and Dad’s wedding dance at the Armada hall. Dot was wearing a long satin gown with all kinds of small satin covered buttons down the back. She also played the accordion at some of the dances and was a good friend of Hazel Beagle. Your grandmother Rose was like a grandmother to us as ours both lived in Ontario. She had a lovely voice and sang at my sister Ruth’s wedding in Lethbridge.
My deepest sympathy to you and all your family.
Dot was such a gentle soul and a very good friend to my dad….Charlie. We were so lucky to have been able to spend time with her. My condolences to her family.
My heartfelt sympathies to both Amelia, Esther & families. Your Mom was the best!! She was always so warm & welcoming, very much “Mom” to me. Her musical talents always amazed me with the way she could make the accordion sing. I will forever cherish those memories in my heart as well time spent at the Craine house. I know she will missed, but as Amelia mentioned to me: “There’s lots waiting to welcome her up above.” I can imagine there’s quite an old time music & dance party happening in heaven. Much love & hugs from Ellen
My sympathy goes out to all members of the Craine family on the recent passing of Dot. She was a cherished member of the Armada and Lomond communities for the better part of the last century, and she is remembered with love. I remember first hearing Dot play her accordion at dances and social functions in the old Armada Hall when I was a kid. Later I took … accordion lessons … from music teacher Mr. Belcher and for a time he taught at Dot’s Armada home which she opened up to area students. Dot was a long time, faithful member of Bethany Lutheran Church in Lomond and as a part of our church family a very important part if our little congregation. I will always remember her for her happy countenance, her sunny disposition, her friendly demeanour and her musical ability. Sadly … another local “old timer” now gone! Dot will be missed!