Tribute

Dorothy Frances Rigby passed away on July 5 at home with her husband by her side after an eight-year battle with ALS. Predeceased by her parents Roger and Rotha Blackwell of London, Ontario, she is survived by husband David Rigby, daughter April (Dave) Janzen, stepdaughter Anwyn (Gord) Rigby, siblings Meg (Darryl) Hoppe, Kim (Jackie) Blackwell, grandchildren Emma, Alyssa, and Sadie as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was born January 19, 1953 in Peterborough, Ontario and as a child moved to Windsor and then later to London. In 1973, she graduated from St. Joseph’s School of Nursing in London, soon after moving to BC where she nursed in Victoria and Alert Bay. In 1979, she went to the UK where she became a certified midwife. She then returned to BC taking a nursing position in Powell River, working as a maternity nurse, bringing many lives into the world. She later became a surgical nurse working in Vancouver and Powell River as well in Palm Springs and San Francisco as a contract nurse.

Dorothy was a woman of many talents. She was a green thumb gardener, a talented do-it-yourselfer, and a brilliant cook. She enjoyed staying active while she was physically able. She had a great love for her pets, and would be out on the trails and beaches with her dogs, continuing on in her wheelchair as her disease progressed.

Loved and respected by many, she will be sorely missed. A celebration of her life will be held July 15th, from 5 pm to dusk at the Palm Beach Gazebo; dress should be casual and colourful. Donations can be made in her name to the ALS Society of BC or a charity of your choice.