Degenstein, Dorothy Phyllis, passed away peacefully at Didsbury Hospital on December 10, 2019 at the age of 98 years.
Dorothy was born on September 18, 1921 at Champion, AB to Dewilla and Barney Hummel. Dorothy lived 94 of her 98 years in Champion.
Dorothy was a fine piano player and, accompanied by her husband August on the accordion, played many dances with several orchestras throughout Southern Alberta.
Dorothy is survived by her son Blain (Joan) of Airdrie, daughter Jacquie Shand (Harvey Kraft) of Calgary, four grandchildren, April Shand, Amy Shand, Jennifer (Tim Becker) Degenstein and Clark Degenstein (Erin) , seven great grandchildren; Jordan Shand, Jake Shand-Stuckless, Noah, Samuel and Sophia Degenstein, Payton and Taylor Becker, four step grandchildren, ten step great grandchildren, a brother Ramon (Jean) Hummel, a sister Racille Ellis and numerous nieces and nephews.
Besides her loving husband of 65 years, August, Dorothy was predeceased by a baby daughter Dewilla, a daughter-in-law Loree, one brother George (Alice) Hummel, brother-in-law George Ellis and her parents.
Funeral Mass Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at 1 p.m. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Champion with Rev. Fr. Philip Le Celebrant. Interment Champion Cemetery.
Any tributes in Dorothy’s memory can be made to the Champion Cemetery Maintenance Association, Box 99, Champion, T0L 0R0.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences through www.vulcanfuneralhome.ca.
Blaine, Jacquie, and families,
My deepest sympathies to all of you on the passing of Aunt Dorothy. What a dear, grand lady she was! I so remember our family times at the farm east of Champion, and, at our farm at Lomond. It was during one of your visits when we were kids playing our crazy games outside, that I ran into the huge back fin of our car and broke off part of my front tooth! I have such fond memories of dancing to the music created by your mom and dad. They even played at the Lomond Hall for my wedding dance in 1969. Aunt Dorothy was the keeper of the Degenstein dynasty. Whenever I was stumped on the different ways we were related to someone, I would call her. An hour later she was still telling me about the relationships that I had inquired about! Boy, was she a talker, and always so interesting! Jacquie, I wonder what other traits you have of your mom, besides looking so much like her. Whenever I saw her, I would think of you!
Aunt Dorothy always drove herself to Picture Butte for the many different occasions that Mom would put on for herself or one of her siblings at Piyami Manor. Boy, could she keep us all entertained with her stories. She was one great lady, an end of an era, who will be greatly missed by all who knew her. To know her was to love her!
Dorothy was a remarkable and very kind lady . The definition of LADY and Classy . Never saw her wear pants ever !
She was always up for a good chat and always interested in what one had to say . I enjoyed the times on the farm out by Little Bow Park and then after at Champion . Such fond and wonderful memories of Aunt Dorothy She was so spunky . Aunt Dorothy will be missed and was loved by many . Part of our history is now gone with her but not our fondness and memories of herself and her well lived life . Hugs and Prayers to the family
Lorraine Wolff ( Huff )
What a lovely lady my Great Aunt Dorothy was! She lived a long, full life! We always enjoyed their visits to North Dakota. She and my mom still talked quite often. She will miss those phone calls! Prayers to the family! RIP
So sorry to hear of Aunt Dorothy’s passing. She was a special lady.We had previous commitments and could not make it to the funeral. Special condolences to Blaine & Jackie and their families. Will miss her dearly. Juanita and Blaine Studer.
So sorry to hear of Dorothy‘S death. She was a remarkable woman.
My condolences to her family
Our thoughts and prayers are extended to Dorothy’s family.
What a remarkable lady she was! Achieving 98 years is certainly inspiring!
Warm regards,
Brenda Schlaht (Degenstein)