Aunt Dora was my "fashionable" aunt - the fashionista who inspired me with her youthful attitude and style. I remember her visits to the coast with fondness. Uncle Stan ate from his never ending jars of pickles on those drives out - which is what fueled those quick journeys. Aunt Dora would disembark from the car and look so pulled together. I remember one visit to Coquitlam when she wore this stylish jacket with matching long shorts that she had sewed together. She was probably in her late 60's/early 70's then and she said, "why not? - why not be stylish at any age?" She was a very talented sewer, with great flair.
When I was at Kinistino for the school reunion, (I think that's what it was), Aunt Dora came alone and stayed with Grandma. We picked her up to take her to the country dance and before she left, Grandma was in the living room and pointed her finger and told Aunt Dora that she could NOT leave the house until she put a brooch or pin to reduce the cleavage on her v-neck sleevless dress. Dora was probably a grandmother herselft at that time!
I visited Brampton once and still remember my once in a lifetime dessert that Aunt Dora made me - even though she was very graciously nursing a very ill and dying Uncle Stan. She made the swedish dessert where you make a lacey crisp sort of crepe, quickly take it out with tongs and put it in a narrow glass so it can form into a cone. Then....magic - you put in whipping cream and strawberries and it's not TOO difficult to enjoy that.
A warm, big heart and a spunky spirit. I know memories such as these will only be multiplied for those who were closer. She leaves a great legacy.
Christine Holmquist, eldest daughter of Dora's brother Peter
Port Moody, B.C.
