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From the Smoky Lake Signal, Wednesday, September 25, 2002. Volume 25, Number 20. Life and Times of Dorothy Wolanski (nee Esopenko) Dorothy Wolanski was born June 21, 1925 in the Northbank area, the first of four daughters of George and Mary Esopenko. Despite the hardships, Dorothy remembered her childhood fondly. Many times, she told the story of her and her sister Pauline returning home from school in a raging blizzard, entrusting the safety to faithful Minnie. Following her father's instructions she let the reins go knowing the horse would take them home. At an early age, Dorothy and her sister Pauline accepted the responsibility of helping to raise their younger sisters, Victoria and Sylvia. Their precious baby sisters who gave them such joy and prepared them for motherhood. In her early teens, Dorothy left her family to look after an aging relative. It was at the store that the trucker who brought her store supplies would ask her our and become the man who would share her life. John Wolanski's first invitation to go out was promptly declined as Dorothy said she had to work. After the third invitation, she consented. In October 1952, John and Dorothy were married. With a growing family, they sold the store to concentrate on the farm and the trucking business. As Gary, the eldest of four children approached school age, they moved from the farm to be closer to town. Today Dorothy's children remember the sacrifices she and John made to make it easier for them. Their home was small and simple, but it was filled with love. Dorothy's homemade donuts, buns, and baking were a regular treat for all the children in the neighborhood. Throughout her life Dorothy supported her husband, looked up to and after her elders and always found time for children. At Bar V Nook, Dorothy was not just a resident. She gave her time willingly to make everyone feel part of the lodge family. It was in her later years that Dorothy found opportunity to experience the larger world. Her yearly retreats with her sister have become legends in the Esopenko family history. With the support of her daughters, Dorothy was able to visit Paris, London, New York, Hawaii, and other places. Yet Smoky Lake was always her favorite place in her heart. The last year of Dorothy's life was not easy. She endured pain without complaint or blame. At every step, Dorothy was concerned about the comfort of others. During her last weeks, Dorothy was surrounded by family and friends. To quote Dorothy's sister Sylvia Chinery, "Dorothy has led us on a remarkable journery." Dorothy's sisters, children, grandchildren, and her friends were there to laugh, cry and reminisce. Dorothy was there to observe it and guide. Those around Dorothy found strength in song and in each other. Sadly on September 1, 2002 Dorothy passed away surrounded by her family at her bedside. Return to the People's
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