November 25th, 1928 ~ March 15th, 2017
Dolly came into this world destined to make a impact. Born to a First Nation mother and Chinese father, she joined a large brood of 14 brothers and sisters. Her childhood days were spent with her siblings, who together, roamed the beautiful forests, valleys and streams of Lillooet, BC. Locals sought out her father for herbal medicine and her mother delivered all the babies in town. Dolly learned from a very young age to embrace the richness in cultural diversity, the importance of helping others and the true meaning of family.
Dolly, married Ross Rich and moved to Mayo, Yukon and there she became a mother and welcomed the first of 4 children. She would have seven children in total, with some being born in Williams Lake, BC, her second home. From there she studied to become a nurse and for 15 years she walked the Hospital floors in Whitehorse and had room left in her heart to raise another 24 foster children and to this day they remain part of our family.
Dolly remarried an amazing Danish man, Nels Madsen and together they eventually moved to Vancouver, BC. The years there were filled with lots of laughter, love and their common passion for life and living it to the fullest. Dolly, loved people, long chats over tea, reading book after book, and had a real passion for gardening (she enjoyed bringing things back to life). She also decided to pursue a career in acting and persuaded Nels, to join her on some of the movie sets.
Her other love in her life, were her sixteen grandchildren, she adored each and every one of them. She took the time, to recognize and acknowledge each grandchild’s strengths and enjoyed making them feel special. She also welcomed twenty-five great grandchildren into the world and her first great, great grandchild was born this past year. Her home was always full of family and friends, she enjoyed the beautiful chaos each family gathering would bring.
After Dolly’s husband passed away she decided it was time to live closer to her children and moved back to Williams Lake. For the past 12 years, her daughters doted on her endlessly and she was able to spoil her sons with baked pies and other goodies. She spent her last years doing what she loved the most, reading, gardening, having tea, visiting with family & friends and just living life.
Dolly, passed away peacefully on the morning of March 15th, 2017, surrounded by her loving family, at the Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake, BC.
She will be missed dearly by her children, Hillary (Ted) Avoledo, Roy (Bonnie) Rich, Mary (Terry) Rich, Yvonne (Boston) Funk, Wally (Linda) Rich, Ken Rich all of her grandchildren & nieces and nephews.
She is survived by her siblings June, Doe & Wally Wing.
She is predeceased by her husband Nels Madsen and daughter June Rich.
Memorial Service to be held Saturday, March 18th at 11:00am at the Compassionate Care Funeral Home