1922 - 2013
Mother, Pender Omi Dorle, was a very kind, but strong-minded and independent woman. She and her beloved late husband Werner (Opi) moved to Pender Island from Port Arthur (Thunder Bay), Ontario in the mid 1970’s. Together, with some sub-contracting, they built their beautiful house and created their lovely garden. Omi Pender, as she was called by the family, was quite well known on Pender Island, with a large circle of friends there and elsewhere! She was very active in Badminton, Yoga and Exercise classes. Born in Germany, Dorle was a good skier in her younger years in Europe and even skied the Alps in Switzerland, among other areas. She also lived in England for over 2 years and eventually moved to Canada. Omi Dorle much loved her large and very beautiful gardens on Pender Island and her daughter, husband and family from the Sidney/ North Saanich area, visited there often. It was a tradition, that Easter and Thanksgiving celebrations with the family were always held at the Pender House, ever since the grandchildren were very young and Grandpa Opi Pender was still alive! This tradition continued through last year, with the Grandson and Granddaughter and also Great Granddaughter. Early this year, when Omi Pender became very ill, she chose to stay with her daughter and husband, instead of being in the hospital. She received great Hospice care from the VIHA Nurses Karen and Heather, among a few others, in addition to the wonderful care from her daughter Birgitt and family.
Birgitt’s Mother was very thankful to Dr. Michael Thompson of Pender Island, who was of great help to her at the outset of her lengthy illness and she also much appreciated the help of Dr. V. Cowan in Sidney, who made some ‘housecalls’ to check on Dorle. Dorle Junge passed away on November 6/2013 at 1:30 A.M., at the age of 91, with her daughter Birgitt by her side at the Sartisohn home – and was joined a few minutes later by her husband Walter. Mother Omi had finally been granted her wish, to be released from her sick body and proceed to + eternal life + ! The family much valued the help and guidance of Sherry and Leslie at the Sidney Funeral Home, during this very emotional time.
Dorle is survived by her only child, daughter Birgitt Sartisohn and husband Walter, Grandson Christopher and partner Charlotte (owner of Victoria Costumes) and their beautiful Redhead - 7 1/2 year old daughter Isis, also Granddaughter Natalie and American husband Gino, in Southern California, who visit often here in Natalie’s home town. Pender Omi Dorle was much loved and admired and will be very greatly missed by the family and many friends! The family thanks everyone for the many visits, calls, cards, gifts and beautiful flowers, that Omi received and that are still arriving after her passing!
The family is convinced, that they’ll meet the very dear Mother Omi Dorle and Opi Werner again one day...