Obituary of Dorothy Reisner

With heavy hearts, the family of Dorothy Leona Reisner announce her passing on Sunday, August 26, 2018, at the age of 91. Dorothy was born August 3, 1927, and grew up on the family farm near Limerick, SK. She was the only daughter of Adolphe and Mary (nee Carson) Reisner. Dorothy attended school in Limerick and graduated in 1945. She then went on to Normal School to become a teacher. At that time there was a shortage of teachers, so she was sent out to teach after only six months. Her first school room was at Ernfold, SK, and then she taught at Hodgeville for two years. 1943 was a very traumatic year for Dorothy’s family. Her brother Russell was killed in an airplane accident while training in England during the war. Later that year her mother, overcome with grief, died. Dorothy was devastated. In 1949, Dorothy decided to become a music teacher and moved to Regina to receive more training. She graduated in 1951 with two degrees in music. She taught piano and theory at the Regina Conservatory of Music. Dorothy was passionate about music and could play anything, with or without music. In 1957, Dorothy travelled by ship to Europe for a two-month long tour with her cousin Bernice. Dorothy often spoke fondly of this trip. Dorothy returned to Limerick in 1962 to look after her father, who was having heart problems. She spent many hours looking out the kitchen window to check on what he was doing out in the yard. Dorothy was always available to help or to do farm errands and was called on often. She was a leader at Camp Woodboia for many years and enjoyed the outdoors as well as the young campers. She was active in the Limerick community and the Trinity United Church, where she played for decades and directed the church choir. Dorothy loved gardening, especially tending to her flowers. She arranged beautiful bouquets of gladiolas, knew different plant varieties, and kept up with the best new hybrid fruit trees, vegetables, and flowers. She would also remember the specific names of many different flowers. Dorothy was an excellent cook and a wonderful baker and was generous with sharing her baking. Dorothy’s family especially enjoyed her homemade fudge and raspberry pie. She was like a second mother to the Reisner children and took part in many of their activities, taught them music, was always available to babysit or help with homework, and loved playing games with her nieces and nephews. She was always ready and willing to help. Dorothy never missed a family birthday or special event, and her loyalty and dedication to her family never wavered. She was a very genuine person whose love knew no boundaries. On December 26, 2005, Dorothy moved to Ross-Payant Nursing Home in Assiniboia, where she resided for the past 12 years. Dorothy’s family wish to express their heartfelt appreciation to the Ross-Payant staff. Your compassionate care for Dorothy was outstanding. She was predeceased by her mother Mary (1943) and father Adolphe (1977) and her brother Russell (1943). Dorothy is survived and lovingly remembered by her brother Cecil (Margaret), nieces Gail (Dale) Mergen, Debra (Brent deceased) Reisner, Janice (Harold) Petrich and nephew Barry (Karen) Reisner. Dorothy is also survived by 11 great-nieces and nephews, and 8 great-great nieces and nephews. Funeral Service was held on Monday, September 3, 2018, 11:00 a.m., at Trinity United Church, Limerick, SK, with Reverend Janelle Shaw officiant. Readers were Tanya Reisner and Janelle Mergen. The eulogy was shared by Russ Reisner and Janice Petrich. Active pallbearers were Kevin Silzer, Dave Headrick, Kim Waiting, Tim Cobbe, Wayne Smith, and Lyn Sinclair. Honorary pallbearers were the Ross Payant Nursing Home Staff. Interment took place at Hillcrest Cemetery, Limerick, SK. Memorial donations in memory of Dorothy to Camp Woodboia, Box 1301, Assiniboia, SK S0H 0B0, were greatly appreciated.