Dorothy Edworthy (nee Mills) was born in Moose Jaw on March 18, 1927. Her family subsequently moved from Moose Jaw to the Glaslyn area in 1931. Dorothy attended Canyon School for Grades 1 through 10. She completed Grade 11 at the Battleford Collegiate, and Grade 12 at the North Battleford Collegiate Institute.
In 1949, Dorothy was accepted into the student nursing program at the Saskatchewan Hospital with the intent of becoming a registered psychiatric nurse. She accomplished this goal admirably and was immediately hired by the hospital. She was soon promoted to the position of ward supervisor, and then shift supervisor. Dorothy ended her tenure as a community health nurse. She was also a member of CUPE and served as treasurer and shop steward. After a long, productive and fulfilling career spanning 32 years, Dorothy retired from the Saskatchewan Hospital in 1981.
In addition to a career in psychiatric nursing, Dorothy, with her husband, Al, owned two businesses: Regal Plumbing and Polar Ice, which they operated for 35 years.
Dorothy may have retired from the nursing profession, but she soon became an active volunteer in the Battlefords. She served as unit president for the Cancer Society. She was also a representative on the provincial volunteer board and co-ordinator of Special Events from 1986 to 2008.
Dorothy was also very active as a bingo fundraiser. In this capacity, she volunteered to work bingos for the Cancer Society, Amgits, Hands of Friendship, Legion Branch No. 70, Western Development Museum Volunteers Association, Battlefords Wildlife Association and Big Brothers (1966 - 2010).
As if this wasn't enough, Dorothy also immersed herself in an incredible number of volunteer projects. She was president of the Royal Canadian Legion Ladies' Auxiliary from 1994 to 2010. She has been a Royal Canadian Legion No. 349 volunteer since 1983 as well as secretary, treasurer and poppy and membership chair. In addition, Dorothy was secretary for the Canadian Order of Foresters, and then chief ranger, in which capacity she co-chaired Bowl for Miracles. Dorothy was also an executive member of the North West Gaming Association from 1994 to 2004. And, she sat on the executives of the Hospital Foundation Festival of Trees and the hospital volunteers board from 2004 to the present. She also worked for the Western Development Museum's Those Were the Days initiative for 20 years. Finally, Dorothy assisted the Battlefords Wildlife with the annual smoker as cashier and ticket seller for 15 years.
Dorothy's many awards are a testament to her many years as a volunteer extraordinaire in the Battlefords. She was awarded the Legion Honour Secretary Award in 1989, the Canadian Cancer Society Certificate of Appreciation in 1991, the Canadian Cancer Society Certificate of Merit in 1994 and the Saskatchewan Hospital Volunteer Service Certificate in 1995.
In addition, Dorothy was cited for outstanding service for the years 1996 to 1999 by the Cancer Society's board of directors, Saskatchewan Division. In 2000, she was also awarded a life membership with the Western Development Museum for her contribution to the Museum Volunteer Association. And, also in 2000, she was honoured with the Legion Ladies' Auxiliary award for dedicated service to veterans of the province of Saskatchewan.
She also received the Independent Order of Foresters Chief Ranger Award for community service in 2000. In 2001, Dorothy received the International Year of Volunteers award for dedicated volunteer service. In 2002, she was awarded the prestigious Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee medal for distinguished service to fellow citizens.
In recognition of her remarkable community service, Dorothy's biography and photograph were added to the Frontier Mall Hall of Fame. Finally, two wonderful honours were bestowed on Dorothy. She was chosen North Battleford's 2005 Citizen of the Year, and she was awarded the Saskatchewan Centennial medal in 2006.
Dorothy and Al Edworthy were married in ___________. They had a son, Joe, who is married to Kellie, two granddaughters, one great-granddaughter and one great-grandson. They also have a step son, two step grandsons, three step granddaughters and one step great-grandson. Dorthy and Al enjoyed a wonderful marriage for 35 years. Sadly, Al passed away in 2012.
In conclusion, few citizens have contributed as many volunteer hours to their community and city as has Dorthy Edworthy. On the occasion of North Battleford's Centennial, we, its citizens, say thank you Dorothy for your selfless service to our great city.
Photo Filename: Dorothy Edworthy3465.JPG
