Mrs. Dorothy Margaret Blades passed away peacefully, with her family by her side, at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, Red Deer, Alberta, on Wednesday, October 4, 2017 at the age of 86 years. Dorothy was born in Elk Point, Alberta and shortly after, her family moved to England. Her parents returned to Canada prior to WWII, where they settled and farmed in the Burbank area. Dorothy married Leonard Blades of Red Deer, on April 7, 1954 and stayed at home to raise their two sons before returning to work for Drs. Jim and Sadie Lampard. Later, Dorothy started her fifteen year career with the City of Red Deer, as the Recreation Department switchboard operator, then as the Facility Bookings Coordinator. Dorothy was a dedicated and loyal friend. She enjoyed many weekend road trips with Leonard and their travel buddies; travelling with family on various vacations; meeting up with the regular crew for coffee; and going for lunch with close friends. Dorothy was proud of her farm roots, and it showed through her love of gardening, baking and canning. She especially loved her flower garden. Dorothy was an accomplished bowler in her day, and won various awards for her success. She was an avid sports fan and she was a proud Red Deer Rebels season ticket holder since day one. Dorothy always knew the outcome of the last night’s games. She was determined to keep her mind alert in her later years and added crossword puzzles and Sudoku to her daily entertainment. Dorothy’s family was her pride and joy, and their well-being was always her highest concern. She would do anything for her boys, and that love was easily extended to the all of her family. She enjoyed caring for the family pets, whether it was being the doggie daycare for Nixon, or the week away nanny for “the girls”. She always put her family above everything else. The Blades family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude for the excellent care and warm compassion provided by Dr. Nogareda, Dr. Murphy; Amber, Krystal and Marilyn and their teams on Unit 22; and Stephanie and her team, on Unit 32, of Red Deer Regional Hospital. She will be lovingly remembered by her husband of sixty-three years, Leonard Blades, two sons, Jim (Chris) and Bill (Katharyn), and two grandsons, Brett and Ryan, all of Red Deer, her brother Bill (Kathy) Brannen of Blackfalds; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and special friends, Lil Wakey and Belle Thompson. Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Elizabeth Brannen, a brother, Harry Brannen and a sister, Mary Jackson. A Memorial Service will be held at Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer, Alberta on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. If desired, in lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations in Dorothy’s honor may be made directly to the Heart and Stroke Foundation at www.heartandstroke.ca. Condolences may be sent or viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com. Arrangements in care of Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, 6287 – 67 A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

• Date : 2017-10-04
• Location : Red Deer