Dorothy Jean Owchar

Dorothy passed away peacefully on Vancouver Island at Saanich Peninsula Hospital palliative care unit on the afternoon of September 25th, 2022, at the age of eighty-five with her daughter Debbie by her side.

Born in Windsor, ON. Daughter of William & Marie Sorenson and sister to Donald and Gary. Wife of Jules Reimneitz from 1957 until his passing in 1963 and to John Owchar 1970-1976. Dorothy resided in Windsor before moving to Victoria in 1996.

Survived by her three children, David, Debbie (Chuck Young), Darlene (Lloyd Chase) along with her three beloved grandchildren & brightest lights:  Natalie, Emma, and Nathan Chase.

Also survived by brother, Donald Sorenson, sister-in-law Pat Sorenson, cousins, nephews, nieces, and companion Bob Theriault, along with many dear friends.

Losing her father and widowed at a young age, Dorothy developed a strong sense of empathy that allowed her to deeply care for the concerns of others and she never waivered when asked for help.

She loved the water and the countless walks along the ocean fueled her soul.

Dorothy had a strong will to live and surpassed everyone’s expectations while she achieved every milestone, she set for herself after her cancer diagnosis. She had quiet strength along with grace, kindness, love, and hope. As well as a beautiful smile for everyone until the end.

Thank-you for the generosity, love and kindness expressed from near and far, by friends and family. Thank-you for the compassionate care received from the BC Cancer Agency and from the doctors and nurses during her hospital stays.

Cremation has taken place and Dorothy will be buried next to her mother in Windsor, Ontario at Victoria Memorial Cemetery, as per her wishes, at a later date.

Donations in Dorothy’s memory can be made to the Canadian Cancer Society or Children’s Hospital of your choice.

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Condolence Messages

  1. Cheryl (Owchar) Larmour

    David, Debbie, Darlene and families, my sincere condolences on the passing of your Mom. I was young when she married Uncle John, (my dad was Chuck) but I do remember her as being a very pretty, kind and lovely lady. I hope you find comfort in the wonderful memries that you have of your Mom.
    Cheryl (Owchar) Larmour

  2. Fran Cooperman-Pfaff

    Oh how I miss that bright light in my life. There was no one quite like her. This coming week at journaling we will have a birthday cake in her honor. I feel so lucky Dorothy was part of my life.

  3. My memories of Aunt Dorothy will always be her kind smile and the ability to talk to anyone and how she made everyone feel special.
    My deepest condolences to David, Debbie and Chuck and Darlene and Lloyd, her three grand children, Natalie, Emma and Nathan and her dear friend Bob.
    She will always be missed by so many.

  4. Dear Debbie, Darlene and David:
    I was so sad to learn of your lovely mother’s passing. I will forever remember that genuine happy smile she always wore! I enjoyed our time working together at Beddazzle. She was a delight to have in the shop, as she always projected a warmth that was felt by all of our clients.
    I pray for your family at this difficult time.
    Janis O’Neill-Scherer

  5. Gail Heffernan (Shepley)

    Aunt Dorothy was always such a sweet “Lady”. Her smile and twinkle in her eye were so her. Since she moved away, we have lost touch but only started to contact on messenger a bit this past year. I’m so sorry for David, Debbie and Darlene and the rest of the family. The loss of a mother/grandmother is very hard to endure. My heart goes out to all of you.

  6. Dorothy Jean was my mother’s best friend from the moment they met at the Victoria Newcomers Club in 1996-7. ‘DJ’ and Mom spent countless hours walking along Dallas Road, up and down the Esplanade, taking road trips across the Island, and sharing many memorable adventures. She is greatly missed. We hope that Deb, Darlene, David and her much beloved grandchildren will find strength in her example. Dorothy Jean’s smile, soft laughter and grace will be cherished forever.

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