DOROTHEA TRIPPEL (TURNER, McRAE)

October 13, 1926 ~ October 21, 2011

DOROTHEA TRIPPEL passed away at home in Milk River, AB. She was born and raised in Stratford, Ontario. She married Stewart McRae. They headed to Milk River to work for Doug Weir and her Uncle Ed and Aunt Marie Turner. In the late 1950's they moved to the Bonnyville area where Dorothea worked as a Nursing Assistant. After the passing of Stewart, she met and married Clarence Trippel. Together they farmed near Bear Trap Lake, and Dorothea worked for the Toronto Dominion Bank as a Personal Banker. Over the years the farm became a place for compassionate care of nieces and nephews.

Dorothea enjoyed reading, working with horses, fishing, and visiting with friends and family. She travelled to Hawaii and other holiday spots and to Saskatchewan and Ontario to visit family. They sold the farm and retired in Kelowna, BC where Dorothea enjoyed gardening, flea marketing, playing cards, tile rummy, and hosting family and friends.

In the late 1990's Dorothea was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease and in 2004 she and Clarence returned to Milk River to be near the Turner family. She handled her debilitating illness with valiant, uncomplaining courage, dignity and composure. Dorothea and Clarence appreciated the people who came into their home to assist with their care. A highlight for Dorothea was getting a 29 hand in Crib.

After over 30 years of marriage Clarence passed away in 2007. In December of 2007 Dorothea was blessed with Marilyn Buli-e. It is though Marilyn's tender, loving and diligent care that Dorothea was able to stay in her own home.

Dorothea was also predeceased by her parents, Laura and Ernie Turner, stepmother Gladys Turner, brother Ron Turner, her Uncle Ed, other aunts and uncles, Clarence's parents, a number of family, and numerous friends.

Cherishing her memory are her sisters Barbara (Ron) Elliot, Eleonor (Joe) Terry, Elizabeth (Claire) Mossey, sister-in-law Gwen Turner and their families, the Trippel family, Marie, Audrey and Doug Turner and family and friends from Ontario to BC.

The families of Dorothea Trippel are thankful for the care of Dr. Liesel Lewke-Bogel, Margaret McCanna, and the nurses and support staff of Milk River Hospital. We especially want to thank Marilyn Buli-e.

Family and friends, please gather at the Milk River Heritage Hall, on Sunday, October 30, 2011 at 2:00pm to honor Dorothea Trippel's Memory.