Peacefully at Blenheim Lodge in Vancouver in her 101st year. Predeceased by her husband Peter (1995) and her sister Margaret. Survived by her daughters Sandra (Mike Beddoes) and Lynn (George Wiesner), three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Dot was born on her parents’ farm near Tompkins, Sask. Her first love was teaching. She began her teaching career in 1930 at age 17 after attending Normal School in Moose Jaw, and taught in rural, village, and city schools in southern Saskatchewan for 17 years, until her marriage to Peter Zacharias in 1947.
In 1951, Dot and Peter settled in Nelson BC to raise their family during Peter’s 25 year career as a pharmacist at Mann Drugs. In her late 40s, Dot returned to her first love — teaching. She upgraded her teaching certificate and taught kindergarten in Nelson until she and Peter retired to Penticton BC in 1977.
Dot especially loved her large circle of women friends, and enjoyed socializing and craft-making as a long-term active member of the United Church and the Order of Eastern Star in both Nelson and Penticton.
Very special thanks to Dr. Musial and the staff at Blenheim Lodge for their loving and compassionate care over the past seven years. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to CNIB, the Arthritis Society, or a charity of your choice.
Memorial service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday October 19th, 2013 at the Penticton United Church, 696 Main Street, Penticton BC.