Dora Marguerite Gustafson began as Dora Aitken. She was born in Donovan, SK, on September 2, 1921 to Margaret and James Aitken. Dora being the middle child and only girl in the family of three children.

As a young woman Dora moved up to the north country from Donovan, SK, to start her working years.  Her first job was as a school teacher; she taught for three years at the Silver Cliff School. Dora soon after met her husband John Bernhard Gustafson and were married on April 22, 1946. Together they had two boys, Bert in 1947 and four years later came Glenn. They farmed until 1948 when they then moved to the Cookson area. In 1952, they moved to Emma Lake where John worked for the Department of Natural Resources, in pasture management. They then moved back to the Cookson district, where Dora worked at the Cookson store for twelve years. Years later Dora made the move into Shellbrook, working at the Shellbrook Hotel in the kitchen as a cook. Later she started to work at Parkland Terrace Nursing Home as a cook, which is where she worked till her retirement. 

Dora would always like to keep busy, so once she retired she joined various senior’s activities in Shellbrook.  She was a part of the Seniors Club for years, even acting as president. She enjoyed being a part of the volunteer group for mental health, volunteering at the hospital canteen, and spent many hours volunteering at the museum. Dora enjoyed travelling, visiting places in Europe, Jamaica, New Zealand, and all over the United States.   In later years when Dora didn’t want to go as far she discovered bus tours and enjoyed to visit casinos.  Amongst all the volunteering, Dora treasured her time with her granddaughters. Whether it was going for walks, or sled rides with the skidoo or many shopping adventures, Dora’s granddaughters treasure all the memories they have of grandma.

Dora had some hurdles to overcome in her life, but she did it with little complaint and refused to have it show.  Everyone will remember and admire Dora for her vibrancy, her strong independence, good nature, and her willingness to try anything.

 Dora is lovingly survived by her son, Bert (Julie) Gustafson; her granddaughters, Michelle (Greg) Folmer; and Carmen (James) Campbell; her great grandchildren, Chandler Ryleigh Folmer; Reid Gustaf Folmer; and Andrew Glenn Campbell; her brother, Howard (Kathy) Aitken; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Dora is predeceased by her husband, John Bernhard Gustafson; her son, Glenn Howard Gustafson; her parents, Margaret & James Aitken; her brother and sister-in-law, Mac “Malcolm” (Doris) Aitken; her sisters-in-law, Agda (David) Freeman & Bertha (John) Erickson. The Memorial Service for Dora took place on October 10, 2015 at Knox United Church with Rev. Dave Whalley as officiant, with interment taking place at Prince Albert Memorial Gardens. In lieu of tributes, memorial donations may be made in memory of Dora to the Shellbrook & Districts Health Services Foundation. Family and friends wishing to send online condolences are welcome to visit www.beaulacfuneralhome.com

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of Beau “Lac” Funeral Home, Tammy Smart – Director (Shellbrook 306-747-2828).

• Date : 2015-10-10