Dorothy Irene Atkins, age 92 years, passed away at the Prairie Health Care Centre, Cabri, SK, on Sunday, November 29, 2009. Dot was born on June 30, 1917, in Swift Current, SK to Charles & Jane Lines . She and her siblings attended Leggott School then on to High School in Abbey. Dot and Edwin Atkins were married on September 6, 1937, in Medicine Hat, AB. They farmed in the Abbey district until retiring to town in 1972. They had one son, Edward Francis, who died following a car accident in 1960. Edwin passed away in 1973. Dot was secretary treasurer of Abbey UCW for twenty-five years, served on several church committees and was active in the Seniors Club. Some of her fondest memories were of her trips to Europe, Asia, Africa and Australia with her travel companion, Chrissie Nason. Dot was a wonderful home maker, cook and grand matriarch of the Lines family. Many disputes were settled by the details written in her daily diaries. She knew the birth dates of her siblings and their families, sending cards and making cheerful phone calls to stay in touch.  She knew where everyone in her extended family was and loved to hear about the highlights in their lives. The neighbours’ children knew her as Aunty Dot. She soon became Aunty Dot to twenty-four nieces and nephews and now to sixty grand nieces and nephews and their children. Dot will be fondly remembered and sadly missed by her sisters, Jean Lyster, Evelyn (Dave) Houston, Shirley (Ed) Nelson, Beatrice (Ed) Metz; by a brother, Steve (Jean) Lines; and by her many nieces, nephews and her many friends. She was predeceased by her husband, Edwin; her son, Edward; her sisters, Margery (Alec) Watson, and Kathleen (Edwin) Braaten; and by her brothers-in-law, Tom Lyster and Bob Buffum.

The Memorial Service was held on Saturday, December 5, 2009 at 2:00 pm from the Abbey United Church, Abbey, SK with Rev. Catherine Christie officiating. Music was brought by organist, Sandra Watson and pianist, Fran Murch. “Abide With Me”, “The Lord’s My Shepherd” and “How Great Thou Art” were sung by the congregation under the direction of the Abbey, Lancer/Portreeve Community Choir. The eulogy was shared by Milton Braaten. The ushers in the church were Shawn Watson, Jeff Hughes, Joe Hughes and Jim Braaten. The Interment was held at the Abbey Community Cemetery, Abbey, SK with Charlie Watson serving as urn bearer. In memory of Dot Atkins, donations made to the Abbey United Church or to the Charity of the Donor’s choice would be appreciated by the family. Funeral arrangements were in care of Swift Current Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK.