On September 8th, 2023, Dorothy “Dot” May Von Niessen 96, passed away peacefully surrounded by family at the Invermere District Hospital. She was born May 5, 1927 in High River Alberta and later moved to Vancouver as a small child. She loved to play the guitar and sing (and yodel) and would sing in the choir at her father’s church. She was a talented artist with drawing and later in life creating dolls and beautiful needlework pictures.

Dorothy settled in the valley in 1960 with her husband Fred and in 1961, they opened the first drive-in restaurant in the valley known as the Lake Windermere Drive-in (the Cree Mee) in Athalmer which they ran for 10 years. Dot continued with her love of music and sang in the Invermere choir. She was an avid bowler and continued her bowling into her ‘90’s. She enriched the community by being a member of the Village Arts for 11 years.

Dot was a devoted wife and mother and her family always came first. She was always there to support them in all aspects of life. Dorothy is predeceased by her husband Fred, brother Stan and sister Belle. She is survived by her sisters Ruth and Marlene, 3 children; Mark (Kara), Brent and Christy-Anna (Scott) as well as 8 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

No service will be held as per Dorothy’s wishes.

“Mother, you left us beautiful memories, your love is still our guide, although we cannot see you, you’re always at our side.”