Passed away on June 4, 2018 at the age of 91 at Victoria Village in Barrie, Ontario. Born to the late Abraham (Abe) Ecker and Alice Ecker (nee Cunningham) on June 2, 1927 in Toronto, Ontario and raised on the farm in West Lincoln, until as a teenager, she moved to Toronto where she found employment with Simpson’s Sears. She met and married Robert (Bob) Dobson in 1952 and was devoted to raising their family together. Alice was the beloved wife of the late Bob for 41 years. Alice will be lovingly remembered by her children Linda (Pat), Allen (Karin) and Julie (Ron); grandchildren Alanna (Kyle), Jessica (Kahra); and great-grandchildren Lily and Claire. Also mourning her loss are her sister Ruth, brother Gord and sister-in-law Joy, along with many extended family members. She is predeceased by her brother Jack Ecker and granddaughter Brittany.
As the family matured, Alice returned to work at Sears and she enjoyed the many friendships she built there over several years. Some of her favourite past times included travelling, lawn bowling, playing euchre, sewing, gardening, scrabble games with tea, and of course regular visits to spend time with family back at the farm. Alice was a wonderful mother and grandmother, she set an example of calm, confidence… “Just do your best. That’s all anyone can ask for.”
Although Alice faced many challenges due to family illness, she faced them with a calm strength. She was selfless, kind and supportive. All her life, she was hesitant to drive, yet at the age of 50 she obtained her drivers licence so she could support Bob during his illness. Many thanks to the staff at Victoria Village for your gentle care and kindness.
Friends and family will be received at STECKLEY-GOODERHAM FUNERAL HOME, 201 Minet’s Point Road, Barrie on Monday June 11, from 11 am to 12:30 pm. A reception will follow. A private interment will be held at St. John’s Norway Cemetery in Toronto where Alice will be laid to rest with her husband Bob.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Alice’s memory to Parkinson Canada or to the Kidney Foundation would be greatly appreciated.