Obituary of Dorial Marjorie Davis

Dorial Marjorie Davis (nee Munden) of Cranbrook BC passed away on June 20, 2023 at the age of 81 years.  Dorial was born in 1941 in Thorsby Alberta to Beresford and Marjorie Munden. A few years later, along with her mother and two brothers, Beverly and Weldon Munden, they moved to Keremeos BC where they were soon joined by her father, when he returned from active service in the RCAF. Dorial grew up in the Similkameen valley among the orchards. Ever an energetic youngster, she participated in almost every school sport available. She excelled at and won awards for her performances in theater from an early age, culminating in a Provincial Top Actress award in her senior year. Dorial’s passions included Literature and Art. A voracious reader, she could have earned many reward miles for a frequent reader programs. She worked hard to put herself through university, growing and selling tomatoes at the family orchard fruit stand. After earning her Teachers certification, she went on to teach in the South, West, North and East of the Province loving all aspects of the profession. During university she met the love of her life Allan Davis, and was married on July 9, 1966. They first resided together and taught school in Hudson’s Hope BC during the building of the WAC Bennett Dam before moving to Cranbrook in 1968. In 1970 they adopted their only son Wilfrid. Dorial no sooner retired in 1996 than she started up a program – RICE CRACKERS, where young moms and toddlers could get together and enjoy time socializing with each other while the little ones enjoyed new playmates.

Dorial was many things to many people: a great mother, sister, wife, dedicated teacher, librarian, tireless worker, artist, pet lover, inspirational motivator, reliable volunteer and organizer. Before her retirement, she was an ardent golfer and served as Ladies’ President for a term. She was Cranbrook’s co-citizen of the year in 2004 sharing the honor with her husband Allan. Her retirement years were also spent writing short stories, and working on, showing and selling her mixed media art. She even managed to start a writers’ group, and mentored young writers. Because of Allan’s new roles in Rotary and because she loved meeting people, Dorial and Allan embraced Rotary and all it offered, traveling all over the world and meeting people. Dorial left a strong and lasting legacy in everything she did and touched. She especially loved her granddaughters Hannah, Danica and great granddaughter Lilly with all her heart. Dorial, a helper first and foremost, she was always smiling and positive to be around.

Dorial was predeceased by her father, Beresford Munden, her mother Marjorie Munden, her brothers Beverly Munden and Weldon Munden.  She is survived by and will be dearly missed by her husband Allan, son Wilf (partner Julie), granddaughters Hannah and Danica and great granddaughter Lilly.

A service to celebrate her life will be held on Saturday, July 15 at 2 pm at Christ Church, Anglican in Cranbrook. The service will be livestreamed for all those unable to attend in person.

Those wishing to donate in memory of Dorial, may do so by visiting the Alzheimer Society of BC website at www.alzheimerbc.org