It is with deep sorrow that we mourn the passing of Dolores Luella Blake of Ocean Park, Surrey, BC, who passed away on February 29, 2024, at Royal Columbian Hospital, a few days shy of her 88th birthday. Dolores was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend.

Dolores will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 68 years, William (Bill), her children Jennifer Karimian, Pam Blake (Scott), Howard Blake (Alison), Diana Blake (Mike); her grandchildren Mazyar, Kuhyar, Nasser, Anna, Becky, and Thomas; 12 great-grandchildren; as well as numerous relatives and friends.

Dolores was predeceased by her parents George and Anne Wendt, her brother, Danny Wendt, and her son-in-law, Farshid Karimian.

Born on March 11, 1936, in Mawer, Saskatchewan, Dolores's life was marked by her passion for family, friends, and travel.  Bill and Dolores met while in high school at a Friday night YMCA dance in Vancouver. The early years of their marriage were spent in BC, before moving to Calgary, Alberta in 1966 with their 4 children. Bill and Dolores moved back to BC as empty nesters in 1986, where Bill designed and built their current home in Ocean Park.

A talented quilter, Dolores had an appreciation for arts and hand-made crafts. Her commitment to community shone through her active involvement with the Peace Arch Quilters where she contributed her sewing skills to making many quilts that were donated to the Peach Arch Hospital premature baby ward.  She also loved to contribute quilts to the local women’s shelter whenever she had the chance.

Bill and Dolores enjoyed trips with friends to Europe as well as a cruise to Hawaii.  Dolores's adventurous soul led her to once-in-a lifetime trips with each of her daughters. Together they ventured across Canada, the Mediterranean and Australia, creating cherished memories along the way.

Dolores’s home was a hub of warmth and welcome. She enjoyed being surrounded by family and friends who came to visit from all over the country. A classy lady, with an easy-going personality and a great sense of humour, Dolores loved to laugh and had a quick wit. Her family will fondly remember her passion for golf, her baking, her cookie stash, and her amazing flower garden from which she created beautiful bouquets. A skilled cribbage player, she would win the game with a smile, a wink, and a twinkle in her eye.

Dolores will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her. Dolores was a very good friend.  Her family was her life and is her legacy.  A memorial gathering is being planned for July 6, 2024. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Peace Arch Hospital at www.pahfoundation.ca