McBride: Rose Pamela “Dee Dee” , of Trail passed away peacefully of heart failure in her sleep during the evening of January 14, 2012 at Columbia View Lodge in Trail at the age of 87.
She was born June 29, 1924 in the Rossland hospital, daughter of Edgar Edwin Lawrence Dewdney and Mary Helen Peters. Registered and baptized as Rose Pamela Dewdney, her family called her Pamela as a girl, but during school days she picked up the nickname Dee Dee, which she preferred. She moved to Trail in 1927 and then to Nelson in 1929 as her father was transferred to manage the local branches of the Bank of Montreal.
Dee Dee went through school in Nelson and won several awards for piano and singing at regional music festivals. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree at UBC, and then a professional librarian certificate at the University of Toronto.
She had a keen interest in history and was proud of her ancestry, which included a Father of Confederation, three premiers of Prince Edward Island, the founder of Cunard Steamship Lines, a great-uncle who built the Dewdney Trail, and an uncle who won the Victoria Cross.
During the Second World War she worked at aircraft factories in Nelson and Vancouver, where some fellow workers called her Rosie the Riveter. Following graduation, she was a librarian at the Calgary Public Library before returning to Nelson where she married Nelson lawyer and retired Canadian Army Major Leigh Morgan McBride on September 11, 1948. In the ensuing years she worked part-time at the Nelson Public Library, raised her children Ken, Sam and Eve, and assisted with her brother Peter Dewdney’s political campaigns. In 1969 the family moved to Trail when Leigh went to work for the Cominco law department, and continued to reside in Trail following his retirement in 1982.
Known for her selflessness, loyalty and modesty, Dee Dee was a caregiver for many years, first with her grandmother Bertha Peters, then for her mother Helen Dewdney, and later for her husband Leigh.
Dee Dee was among the founding members of the Nelson branch of the University Women’s Club, and took many courses in art and literature offered through Notre Dame University and Selkirk College. She and Leigh were active in the Silver Slipper Club and the Nelson and Trail golf clubs for many years. She was a thoughtful and enthusiastic hostess at the houses in Nelson and Trail, as well as the Queen’s Bay cabin, site of numerous bridge games and beach parties over the years.
During the last dozen years she courageously resisted the onslaught of Alzheimer’s Disease, helped by her family, friends and medical and support staff. Though her memory was declining, she kept her wit, sense of humor, love of music, and affection for friends and family. Despite continuing challenges, she greeted care staff and visitors with smiles, compliments and singing, and managed to retain her dignity, optimism and cheerfulness.
Dee Dee is survived by her son Sam of Trail, daughter Eve (Bill Magee) of Vancouver, and grandchildren Matthew and Carly Magee of Vancouver. She was predeceased by husband Leigh, son Ken, sister Eve Fingland, brother Peter Dewdney and nephew Jim Fingland.
There will be a Memorial service for Dee Dee on Saturday, January 21st at 1:00 pm at the Trail United Church with Reverend Keith Simmonds officiating.
The family would like to thank her doctors, nurses, Home Support and care staff for their wonderful help and devotion through a difficult time.
Donations in her memory can be made to the Kootenay Boundary Hospital Foundation at 1200 Hospital Bench, Trail, BC V1R 4M1 or online at www.kbrhhealthfoundation.ca or to a charity of your choice.
Gwen Ziprick at Alternatives Funeral and Cremation Services™ has been entrusted with arrangements. You are invited to leave a personal message of condolence at the family’s online register at www.myalternatives.ca