Dorothy Gwendolyn (Collard) Lapp

On July 5th, 2026, Dee Lapp, our beloved mom, grandma, GG, sister, friend, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family at the age of 88.  As with all lives well lived, mom’s life had its share of challenges and amazements, but she inspired everyone with her unrelentingly positive spirit and hopefulness. 

Born in Oshawa, Ontario, she was the eldest of three girls.  At the age of 17, she moved to British Columbia and in 1957 she began a new phase of her life with Charles Abbott, later marrying and settling in Golden.  She and Charles had two children together, Jeff and Dee Anne.  She worked at the Golden Medical Clinic and became part of a wonderful group of lifelong friends.  Charles and Dee eventually parted ways and in 1967 she married Gordon Lapp and welcomed a son, Darren, as well as two stepsons, Keith and Kent, and two stepdaughters, Janet and Karen.   She embraced the role of parenting a large “yours, mine, and ours” family.

Dee had many talents: gardening, her artistry, home design and decorating – she partnered in building 10 homes - but her greatest gift was the love she gave so generously throughout her life.

Upon retirement, Dee and Gordon moved to Salmon Arm where they built up a bison farm together.  Mom was also an early member of the Shuswap Lady Striders, a singer with the Shuswap Singers, and a rower with the Shuswap Grey Grebes dragon boat team.  As a member of her team, she won a silver and gold medal at the BC 55+ Games.  She deeply cherished the wonderful friends she made through these connections. 

Her hands were never idle. She found joy and beauty in her gardens, which was once featured in Gardens West magazine. That same love of beauty carried into her paintings and artwork. These creations were a source of joy for her and her family and reflected her eye for grace and detail. Generations of children in her family will hold fond memories of exploring the outdoors, picking flowers, and creating with Grandma and Great-Grandma.  

Dee had a rare gift for making everyone feel accepted, supported, and loved. Her children and grandchildren knew that, if they had a physical injury, they could turn to her husband, a doctor, for a quick repair but when they needed emotional support or advice they turned to Dee. She listened without judgment, perhaps sharing an empathetic tear, and offered encouragement and wisdom, often drawn from her own life experiences. 

Everyone who knew Dee felt her warmth.  Anyone who met her felt her genuine interest and love.  She lived her life for the betterment of others and left a wonderful legacy and example for all of those who knew her.  Dee loved her quotes and shared them with everyone she knew.  One of her favourites was “we’ll be known forever by the tracks we leave”.

Dee was predeceased by her husband of 46 years, Gordon; her sister, Jane Collard, her stepdaughter, Janet Allen; her son-in-law, Bob Henderson; and her grandson, Tyson Henderson.

Her warmth and kindness will be dearly missed, and her memory will be cherished by her sister, Judith Collard; her children Jeff Abbott (Lisa), Dee Anne Abbott (Doug), Darren Lapp (Chrystal), Keith Lapp (Jane), Kent Lapp (Leslie), and Karen Henderson; her son-in-law, Gary Allen (Linda); her 21 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren; and her many wonderful friends.

A celebration of Dee’s life will be held in the spring of 2027 - her favourite time of year - at a time and location to be announced. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests simply planting something beautiful in her memory.

The family wishes to extend a special thank-you to the teams at Hillside Village, Andover Terrace, and Shuswap General Hospital for their compassion, care, and support.