Dorothy Grace Lewis (nee Brazier)
1914 - 2012
Dorothy Grace Lewis (nee Brazier) born January 21, 1914, passed away peacefully in Smithers, BC on February 10, 2012 at 98 years of age.
She was predeceased by her husband, Dave, as well as her sister and all four brothers.
She is survived by two sons, Jack (Joanne) Lewis and George (Fran) Lewis, both of Celista, BC, and one daughter, Margaret (Harvey) Burns of Smithers, BC.
Grandchildren: Theresa (Jody) Bradley, Greg (Robin) Burns, Frank Lewis, Shelley (Ed) Koski, Ken Lewis, Mark Lewis, Dale (Corinne) Lewis, and Mike (Debbie) Lewis; as well as 17 great grandchildren and 1 great - great grandchild.
Sisters - in - law Helen Lewis and Alma Lewis, brother - in - law, Flloyd Parkinson
Dorothy was teaching in McCord, Sk. when she met and married Dave Lewis, Jan. 23, 1938, they homesteaded at Rapid View, Sk. for a few years before relocating to Enderby, BC, in 1943. In 1950 they purchased property at Celista, and in 1952 opened the L & S (Lunch & Service) the first cafe and garage in the North Shuswap.
Dorothy was renowned for her delicious pies and homemade bread. Past customers still recall buying whole pies and freshly baked bread to take back home or on to their summer cabins to enjoy. She gradually stocked other necessities not readily available in the a small isolated community that Celista was at that time. Dave passed away in 1961 after which Dorothy phased out the lunch counter and operated the business as a General store until her retirement in December 1979.
For many, many years Dorothy found the time to write a humorous weekly column called “The Celista Signpost” in the Chase Shuswap Weekly, a small newspaper published by “Ma” Murray of Lillooet, that was distributed around the district. When Sally Scales bought out the paper and began publishing the Shoppers Guide in Salmon Arm, Dorothy continued her weekly contribution until her retirement. From 1980 until the present “Kicker” began publication about the turn of the century, she helped publish a monthly one sheet North Shuswap News Bulletin with other community volunteers.
Dorothy was honoured by The Government of Canada with a commemorative Medal to mark Canada’s 125th Anniversary of Confederation in 1993. This medal was presented to Canadians who have made “ ... a significant contribution to their fellow citizens, to their community, or to Canada.” Canada was, and still is, built by community minded volunteers like Dorothy, the family is very proud of her many accomplishments.
Dorothy has been residing in Smithers BC, with daughter Margaret, since 2004.
A Memorial service was held in Celista Community Hall at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012. Prior to this, a private family interment service was held at the cemetery in Celista.
The family wishes to thank all the staff at the Bulkley Lodge for their kindness and caring, especially those in the Blueberry Ward. Special mention and gratitude to Al Schrader and son, Lawrence Schrader, for their thoughtful, kind consideration.
Arrangements entrusted to
R.A. Schrader Funeral Home
250-847-2441
Kamloops Funeral Home
250-554-2577
Condolences may be emailed to the family from
www.kamloopsfuneralhome.com