DOROTHY ORR NEE SCHAFER

DOROTHY ORR NEE SCHAFER
Dorothy passed peacefully Jan 12 2026 at the Hanna Long Term Care Center, at the age of 93 years.
Dorothy was born May 21, 1932, at home near Rush Lake, Sask. It is here she completed her high school education before attending Hillcrest Bible School in Medicine Hat for three years. She then moved on to complete her Nursing training at Medicine Hat General Hospital, graduating in 1955. After graduation she continued to work in the OR at the Medicine Hat General Hospital and went on to attend the School of Nursing at Winnipeg General Hospital completing the Post Basic Course of OR Principles and Advanced Practice and Administration. She returned to work in the OR at MHGH until marrying Jack R Orr of Medicine Hat in 1959, and moving to Brooks where she continued her career and started a family.
In May of 1960 they welcomed their only child, Murray.
Dorothy took her work very seriously, over the course of her career at the Brooks Hospital as Head Nurse in the OR her hard work and attention to details kept patients and staff healthy. With her take charge attitude and natural leadership, Dorothy kept the team of doctors and nurses working together as a tight team which was good for the whole community. During this period she had the pleasure of working with many doctors and nurses , here’s some that I remember.
Dr. Mike Gammon , Dr. Patel, Dr. Papadopolos, Dr. Prus ,Dr. Fulton. Dr. Oakes , Dr. Raynor
In 1971 she worked to establish with RN Jean Lauber and Brooks town council the Brooks Ambulance service. Brooks did not have a formal service at that time and staff RNs were recruited along with drivers Roy Vorra and Howard Kirby. Organized with on call schedules. Later service was upgraded with hiring of paramedics and funding was established. Mom participated in the design of the new Brooks Health center built in 1975. After 33 years of hard work and dedication at the Brooks Hospital, Dorothy retired in 1993. 38 years in her chosen profession.
After Retirement, Dorothy founded the South District OR Nursing Association and was also the first President of the Alberta Association of Operating Room Nurses. She helped organize many of the ORNAC National Conferences as well as Charity events for the Brooks Hospital Cardiac Rehab Unit.
In 1998 she was awarded the Governor General’s Caring Canadian Award by Governor General Romeo Leblanc at Medicine Hat City Hall.
Dorothy was passionate about her career, but still found time to be active with golfing, and curling (she annually attended the Nelson mid-summer bonspiel). She also made time to travel with her grandsons Ryan, and Chad.
Dorothy continued to volunteer in the community of Brooks serving as President of the Brooks and District Health Foundation 1996-2001. Moving to Medicine Hat in 2005. Here she volunteered in the Cysto clinic and Healthy Living Program.
After Jack’s stroke, Jack and Dorothy moved to Hanna in 2011 to be closer to Murray and their grandchildren. Jack lived in long term care with Dorothy keeping him company every day until his passing in 2015. Mom lived in the Manors until 2024 when her health forced her to long term care until her passing.
Dorothy is survived by her son Murray (Kris), grandchildren Ryan (Chelsey), Chad, Jeffrey, and Kendra as well as Brother-in laws Dan (Linda), Chuck (Ruth), sister-in-law Evelyn, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her husband John (Jack) in 2015, her parents Wilhelm Schafer (1955) Mother Anna 101yrs (1991), Brother Hugo, Jimmy. Sisters Ann, Agnes and Violet. Sister in laws Edythe Rodenbaur and Betsy Whyte and Brother-in-law Robert (Bob) Orr.
I would also like to thank the staff of Hanna long term care and Dr Fortna for the quality of care mom enjoyed.No formal service will be held at Dorothys request a private family service will place her ashes as requested.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Brooks and District Health Foundation
Or The Hanna Ladies Auxiliary.
Notes of condolence can be emailed to the family at orrfamily1932@gmail.com