MORRISON, DOROTHY HAZEL (Dodi) nee Spears Passed away peacefully on November 28, 2013, at Haven Hill, Penticton, at the age of 92. Dodi was born in Vancouver on April 24, 1921, to parents Robert Bainbridge Spears and Hazel Spears nee Sexmith (d. 1928). Her father remarried Dorothea nee Bolton in 1931 and she grew up with 3 younger siblings in Vancouver, graduating from UBC in 1942. Dodi taught high school before marrying the late Robert Franklin Morrison, and continued teaching elementary school when the family moved to Yellowknife, where she also enjoyed a broadcasting career with CBC children's programming. After they settled in the Okanagan in 1983, she was a constant contributor to newspapers and magazines, publishing hundreds of articles, letters, book reviews, and segments for CBC radio as seniors' correspondent for the BC interior. A selection of favorite writings is gathered in her popular collection, Okanagan Reflections, published in 2011 (Okanagan Institute). Dodi cared deeply about children and their education, and worked for many causes, both local and global. She was a tireless and vocal advocate for nature preservation, culture and social justice in the Okanagan, and was instrumental in founding and promoting the Stephen Lewis Foundation's "Grandmothers for Africa" campaign in Penticton. In 2000 she was honoured with a Living Treasure of the Okanagan Award. Dodi is survived by her three children Patrick (Honolulu), Christopher (Calgary) and Lesley (New York City); brothers Robert Spears (Calgary) and Thomas Spears (Gibsons), and sister Heather Spears (Copenhagen). The family is grateful to the wonderful staff at Haven Hill, and cherishes recent visits with Dodi. A memorial celebration will be announced. Condolences may be shared by visiting www.everdenrust.com
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