Thielen, Dorothy "Dot"

DOROTHY "DOT" JEAN THIELEN passed away on Sunday, October 9, 2022 at the age of 97 years.

Dot was born on July 11, 1925 in Warner, AB. As a young girl her parents moved the family to Milk River where she lived until her passing. She married Robert "RJ" Thielen on October 15, 1945 and together, a unified team, they spent 65 years building a full life filled with their families and friendships.

Dot's home was a gathering place. You knew the door was always open, a pot of coffee on and baked goods ready to be shared. Endless hours were spent around the kitchen table enjoying home cooked meals, telling stories, recalling town history (she remembered it all), bird watching and undoubtedly sharing anecdotes about her grandchildren or grand-dogs and in more recent years great grandchildren.

After RJ's passing, Dot continued to fill her days with visitors. Her family continued to grow with the birth of many more great grandchildren and the addition of close neighbors, new friends and care workers who became irreplaceable fixtures in her daily life. There was nothing more important to Dot than the people in her life.

Dot was a remarkable woman. She had undeniable strength, courage and unfailingly chose to persevere through anything. She was generous and caring and showed us the value of leading with kindness and compassion.

She was appreciated by so many, and we are forever grateful for the many people who loved her like we did.

Dot is survived by her four children, Barry (Gail) Thielen, Yvonne (Terry) Cowie, Lana (Tim) Clay, and Denise (Dean) MacKenzie; 8 grandchildren, Brandon Thielen, Kendra (Rick) Deobald, Jeff (Laureen) Cowie, Greg (Asheley) Cowie, Jocelyn (Darcy) Doyle, Avery (Mitch) Henry, Farrell (Ken) Boser, Lauren (Dave) Iggulden; and 11 great grandchildren, Savannah & Lincoln (Kendra), Haedyn & Madelyn (Jeff), Liam & Grayson (Greg), Atlas (Avery), Mackenna & Logan (Farrell), and Thea & Riley (Lauren). She is also survived by sisters-in-law Ann Thielen and Gladys Strilchuk as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her husband of 65 years, Robert "RJ" Thielen, her parents George and Ollie Kuhl, her 5 siblings, numerous brothers and sisters-in-law as well as several nieces, nephews and countless close friends.

A Prayer Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 - 32 St South, Lethbridge, AB on Tuesday, October 18 at 7:00 PM.  A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. PETER'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 321 Main Street, Milk River, AB on Wednesday, October 19, 2022 at 11:00 AM with Father Salvador Ahumada celebrating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial tributes may be made to the Heart & Stroke Foundation, Box 2211, Lethbridge, AB, T1J 4K7 or the Multiple Sclerosis Society, 724-13 Street North Lethbridge, AB, T1H 2T1.