WILLS, Dorothy Frances (nee Forster)
November 4, 1927 - October 15, 2014
It is with great sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of our precious mother, aged 86. We will miss her calm and caring cheerfulness - always focusing on the bright side of life - as well as her steadfast support of our life journeys. Born in New Westminster BC, Dot spent her childhood in North Surrey, graduating with honours from Queen Elizabeth High School at age 15, below the minimum age to attend university. So, despite her yearning to pursue academic studies, she stayed at home and worked at the family farm and poultry hatchery. In 1948 at Christ Church in Surrey Centre, she married Len Wills, the love of her life for 66 years, and raised four children. With the youngest ones enrolled in school, she worked as school secretary in Surrey School District while attending university night classes, eventually graduating from UBC (B Ed) as an elementary school teacher / librarian. Her young students fondly remember her as the Story Lady. Music was an integral part of Mom's life: piano, violin, guitar, and voice. When Len and his buddy, Walter Monkman, formed a dance band, Dorothy and Ruth sang with the band at their evening gigs. Then on Sundays, she sang with the Cloverdale United Church Choir, her joy and passion for over forty years.
Mom and Dad loved fishing and would often load up the children, the boat and the tent or RV, then escape into the BC Interior to immerse the family in the wonders of nature and the adventures of self-reliance. In her retirement years, she enjoyed growing flowers in her garden, 'old-time' dancing, and travelling abroad.
Mom is predeceased by her parents, Alice and George Forster, and her brother, David Forster. She is survived by her husband, Leonard Wills; daughters Norma Jamieson (Dr Bob) and Doreen Endersby (Mark); twin sons Robert Wills (Adriana) and Ronald Wills (David); grandchildren Travis Endersby (Daniela), Katie Ropchan (Jason), Dr Blake Jamieson (Laura), Dr Kathryn Versteeg (Dr Everett), Victoria Wills; and great grandchildren Isabella and Linnea Endersby. Mom continues to have a profound effect on all of us; she will be cherished in our hearts forever.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 1 at 1:30 pm at Cloverdale United Church, 17575 - 58 A Ave, Surrey BC. Reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please give a hug to someone you love.