BERRINGER Dorothea

JUNE 23, 1923 ~ APRIL 3, 2013 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Dorothea (Biesterfeldt) Berringer, on Wednesday, April 3, 2013 at the age of 89 years.

Born on a farm near Manyberries, Alberta on June 23, 1923, the late Mrs. Dorothea Berringer was the oldest of five children born to Lawrence and Florence Biesterfeldt. She completed her education in a rural school near Manyberries and eventually began working as a cook and waitress in Warner, Alberta, where she met and married Charles Berringer in 1944 after a two year courtship. Dorothea and Charles eventually took over the family farm and along with their two children resided there until retirement when she moved to Lethbridge in 1989. In 2000 Dorothea moved to Cochran, Alberta where she resided with her daughter Holli until her passing. Dorothea loved to cook and as anyone who came to the farm knew, work stopped, and they were greeted with coffee, food and good conversation. She was a creative person who loved to knit, sew and quilt and enjoyed sharing her abilities with friends and family alike. Dorothea loved to dance; both she and Charles were members of several dance organizations as well as members of the Pemmican Club of Lethbridge. Dorothea was an active member of the community and she was a member of the Order of Royal Purple where she served as the Honorary Royal Lady for one tear. Dorothea was a member of the United Church in Milk River where she sang in the choir. She began attending McKillop United Church after retiring to Lethbridge. Dorothea loved the peace and serenity of farm life and dearly missed it after her retirement. Dorothea was an engaging person who loved to laugh and especially enjoyed a good joke. Despite life challenges in her later years she always maintained a smile and had a very positive outlook on life. Dorothea was a kind hearted and loving wife, mother and friend and will be dearly missed by all who knew her. Besides her daughter Holli Berringer of Cochrane and son Dean (Deborah Kenney) Berringer of Lethbridge, Dorothea is survived by her brother Bill (Vi) Biesterfeldt of Medicine Hat, her sister Irene (Robert) Arndt of Kelowna, step-grandchild Dale (Carol) Kenney of Calgary, step-grandchild Kurt (Karen) Kenney of Victoria, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. Dorothea was predeceased by two infant sons, her husband Charles, her sister Doris (Paul) Bosse, and her sister Doreen (Bill) Dumont. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at the MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 Street South, Lethbridge with Reverend Terry Shillington, officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta, 404-8 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1J 2J7 Send condolences at www.mbfunerals.com. Martin Bros. Funeral Chapels Ltd. 610 – 4 Street South Lethbridge, AB T1J 4P3  Phone: (403)328-2361  Fax: (403)382-3623 Toll Free: 1-800-382-2901 www.mbfunerals.com