Dorothy Kusyk – A Legacy by Example
With heavy hearts we received the news of Dorothy Kusyk’s passing on January 20, 2021. We best knew Dorothy for her many hours of volunteering at the Grande Prairie Hospital Auxiliary taking on the leadership role as President in 2014, a position she held until 2018, as well as her endless hours volunteering for Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen at the Festival of Trees.
“Dorothy will be tremendously missed by everyone at the Foundation and Festival of Trees. We were lucky enough to see Dorothy’s kind heart at work with her support of the Ladies Auxiliary and the Foundation’s Festival of Trees. So many hours spent giving of her time to support her community.”
~ Dawn Veilleux-Miller, Major Gifts Officer – GPRHF
We will always remember her warm smile and incredible hugs. Our memories seem to reflect those of our community from her students who enjoyed one of Dorothy’s classes during her 34 years of teaching to other organizations who benefited from Dorothy’s volunteerism.
We were not the only organization who benefited from Dorothy’s volunteerism. Dorothy also had a large impact at the Heart and Stroke Foundation volunteering her time for 10 years before the office in Grande Prairie moved. Former Area Manager of the Heart and Stroke Foundation Margaret Bell shared with us what Dorothy brought to their Foundation and many other community organizations.
“This lovely lady was a huge part of my life at the Heart & Stroke Foundation. Dorothy was an amazing volunteer, a kind and gentle woman, a friend. I hold so many special memories of office time and HSF events that she was part of over 10 years: The Strasdin Orthodontics Ladies in Red Fashion Shows, The Campbell Chrysler Riverboat Poker Rallies, Storm Hockey Game Frisbee fundraisers, she was always there to support us. Dorothy had a beautiful smile and such a fun wholehearted laugh. My heart goes out to her family and friends. She will be missed and will always hold a special place in my heart.”
– Margaret Bell, Former Area Manager of the Heart and Stroke Foundation
Dorothy led by example: Whether she intended to or not.
From her membership and time at the Legion to her leadership and volunteerism throughout the community, Dorothy truly leaves a legacy and example of volunteerism for our community. Our hearts go out to Dorothy’s family and all who have been impacted.