Dorothy Cecile (Himbeault) Colborne

Dorothy Cecile Colborne (née Himbeault), age 92, was born in Alida, Saskatchewan. She passed away peacefully in her sleep after a pleasant visit with her daughter Karen on Thursday, March 26, 2026, in Leduc, Alberta.

Dorothy grew up in a close-knit Francophone family in the small hamlet of San Clara, Manitoba. Her parents, Wilf and Annie, raised five children with limited resources. Dorothy and her older sister Claire were known as “les grandes filles,” while Vivian and Reina were “les petites filles.” Brother Gene arrived later, completing the Himbeault clan. Dorothy learned English in a one-room schoolhouse.

Soon, the Himbeaults loaded the family Model T and moved to the outskirts of Regina, Saskatchewan, where her father opened a gas station and automotive repair shop. Dorothy attended Sacred Heart Academy, excelling in academics and becoming a star basketball player. After high school, she worked as a secretary, where she met Hank Colborne. He was captivated by her vivid, blue-eyed beauty and her many other qualities.

They married and began a life together that spanned 40 years, eventually settling in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, with a nearby cabin at Battle Lake. Together, they raised five children: sons Brian, Glenn, Dean, and David, and daughter Karen. Raising four “free-range” boys, Dorothy had the pragmatism to keep them just on the safe side of their adventures-with or without Hank-while still corralling everyone home for dinner at 6 p.m.

In 1996, she cared for Hank at home until his untimely death from lung cancer, at age 68. In the decades that followed, Dorothy’s quiet strength and steadfast faith were evident in the full life she continued to lead, marked by resilience, grace, and unwavering devotion to her family. She managed businesses and properties while giving her time, love, and energy not only to her children but also to her six grandchildren: Brandon, Bradley, Taylor, Amelia, Ross, and Miranda. Dorothy was also a proud great-grandmother to Georgia and Sophia.

Dorothy remained active throughout her life, playing and competing in golf, curling, and bridge with her large circle of friends. She taught all her children to ski, enjoyed travelling, and was devoted to daily walks. She maintained a lifelong commitment to volunteer work with the community, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Wetaskiwin Health Foundation along with numerous other organizations.

Though she treasured her independence, health challenges eventually prompted Dorothy to move to a retirement residence. She seldom complained and was patient and kind with everyone who knew her. She is remembered for her gentle strength, quiet wisdom, and generosity without judgment, and for the familiar comfort of her closing words on every phone call: “real good.”

A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (5113 49 Avenue, Wetaskiwin).  A Celebration of Life and interment will take place at a later date. 

In memory of Dorothy, donations may be made to the Wetaskiwin Health Foundation (6910 47 Street, Wetaskiwin, Alberta T9A 3N3)

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