Dorothy May (Corbett) Sadler

After living life to the fullest, with laughter and love, Dorothy May Sadler (Corbett) passed away in the evening of February 14th, at Brightwater Senior Living of Tuxedo, in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was 96 years old and will be deeply missed by her children Kim (Kim). Dan (Wendy), and John (Lynne). and Grandchildren Katherine (Brookyln), Lauren (Kevin), Maverick (Michelle), Morgan (Matt), Coleman (Michelle), Griffin and Oliver. Dorothy was predeceased by her husband Gordon Sadler, her father Coleman Corbett, mother Cora Corbett, Siblings Collie Corbett, Birdie (Frank)Woods, Louva ( Arthur) Thompson, Williard (Florence) Corbett, Aloha (George) McFadden, Iona (Harvey) Rutley and Seguard (Pauline) Corbett.

Dorothy was born in Stenen Saskatchewan, the youngest daughter to Coleman and Cora Corbett. She moved with her parents to the homestead in Birch River in 1935. Her father built the log house with lumber from his sawmill and finished it with white birch floors.

Dorothy didn’t start school in Birch River, until she was eight. Because Birch River did not have a high school, Dorothy went to live with her Brother Collie and his wife Alma in Flin Flon Manitoba for Grades 9 and 10. In Grade 11 she attended School in Bowsman and returned to live in Flin Flon with her sister Iona for Grade 12.

After Grade 12, on a return visit to Birch River, she was approached for a teaching position by the members of the Birch River School Board. After her father called her his “School Marm” she decided to accept the challenge. She was destined to be a teacher and went to teacher’s college, “Normal School”, in Winnipeg. Before getting married she taught in Birch River, Flin Flon (Birchview School), Hemer, Germany (Department of National Defence) and Burnaby, British Columbia (Marbourgh School). Dorothy returned to Birch River to marry Gordon Sadler in July of 1960.

Dorothy and Gordon built their house in Birch River in 1960. Kim, Dan and John were raised in that house. We can still hear Dorothy yelling out the door, “Supper Time!”. Dorothy being a teacher always had her children’s education at the forefront of her mind. She even had a neighbourhood Kindergarten at her house, because there wasn't a Kindergarten program in the Birch River Schools at that time. Her children always knew they would be continuing on to post secondary education. It was just expected. She and Gordon continued their support for their Grandchildren.

In 1968, Dorothy was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. In those days a radical mastectomy was the only answer and radiation and chemo were not options. Dorothy took this as a wake up call to embrace life and start a path to finding true purpose and meaning.

In 1973, Dorothy returned to work half time as a Kindergarten teacher in Birch River. Dorothy loved her work and spent hours planning and preparing. Dorothy had a thirst for knowledge and was intent on learning about early childhood education. After her friend Tillie suggested they take a Psychology Class, Dorothy was hooked. This was the beginning of completing her

Bachelor of General Studies in Early Education. She completed her degree at the age of 44. She was a Kindergarten teacher in Birch River until she retired at the age of 64.

Dorothy was always active. She loved to run, jump, skip and dance. Curling was a favourite sport having curled in both Birch River and Flin Flon. She curled well into her 80s. She and Tillie used to walk the circumference of Birch River everyday at about 4:00. When she retired, Dorothy decided to start running and set a goal of running in the Manitoba Marathon. She ran several half marathons. Running the half marathon at 80 was quite the achievement. Many people from the Valley and her family came to Winnipeg to run with her that year.

Dorothy was very active in the Communities of Birch River and Swan River. She was an active member of the Birch River United Church serving as Treasurer, Youth Group leader, Sunday school teacher and occasionally leading Sunday Services. Health and Wellness was a passion for Dorothy. She spoke to various groups within the Parkland region on Wellness. Even into her 80’s she was on Health and Wellness committees. People in Birch River may remember her evening community walking groups.

In 2016 Dorothy and Gordon reluctantly moved to Winnipeg to be closer to their children. Dorothy’s final years were made easier by the caring and compassionate staff of the Brightwater Senior Living Arbour. Your support and love will never be forgotten.

Dorothy was the epitome of Life Long Learner. A consummate reader, thirsting for knowledge, she was always looking for ways to improve her life. Even up until last year, she often used to ask “What is my purpose”

Dorothy will always be remembered for her devotion to family. She gifted her family with a good life with unconditional love and support. Her Grandchildren saw Grandma and Grandpa’s home in Birch River as an outdoor paradise and resort. Love and Respect were always a foundation of her family. Dorothy lived by one simple rule “Love One Another.”

“And now I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” John 13:34

A service and celebration of life will take place on Saturday, March 16, at 10:30 a.m. in the Birch River Legion Hall. Lunch to follow after the service.

Should friends so desire, memorial donations in Dorothy’s honour may be made to either of the following:
The Royal Canadian Legion of Birch River, Box 216, Birch River Manitoba, R0L 1E0.

Hillsview Pastoral Charge, Box 129, Bowsman, Manitoba R0L 0H0

Community Foundation of Swan Valley, Box 1509, Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4pDTqsw7e8o

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