On April 13th, 2019, Dorothy May Rigden-Ferro (known to most as Dot, Mum or Grandma), passed away peacefully in Duncan, BC, just a few days following her 88th birthday.
Born in Dryden, Ontario on April 8th, 1931, Dot married Peter Rigden in 1948 and raised their six children in the Lower Mainland. In 1982, Dot re-married to Bruno Ferro in Bonnyville AB, and they spent 19 happy years together before Bruno's passing in 2001, settling in Kelowna and then the Cowichan Valley, which was Dot's home for the past 25 years.
Dot was a character, lovingly remembered for her stories, her bright smile (which was especially bright for babies and pets), and for her true example of resilience and love, always stretching what little she had to help whoever she could. She was very creative and a talented writer who loved to keep up-to-date on friends and family across the country with her handwritten letters, a pastime she remained dedicated to until her eyesight prevented her from continuing in her later years. Beyond her family and friends, Dot found joy in the simple pleasures of life - some of her favorites being the companionship of her beloved dogs, road trips with Bruno in their camper, a frosty A&W Root Beer float, and the delights unearthed at a really great auction sale. Her spirit will be missed by all who knew her.
Dot is predeceased by her beloved sister Joan, her ex-husband Pete, her husband Bruno, and her eldest son, Alan. She is survived by five children, Patricia (Hank), Lori (Alan), Mark (Chris), David (Carol) and Jody (Dan), as well as 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Special thanks to the caring staff of Cairnsmore Place, Dr. Lauren Jackson, physiotherapist Heidi Bovey and many others. We also recognize the love and support from her life-long friend, Shirley Goodwin, who held a very special place in Mum's heart.
Our family is forever grateful to Dot's daughter- in-law, Carol Rigden, for her great kindness to our Mum in her final years.
A family gathering in Mum's memory will be held at a later date.