Vera DOWLING Obituary
Vera Dowling died quietly at Youville Home in St. Albert on January 11, 2015, at 96 years of age.
Vera was born in Braughing, Hertfordshire, England on July 16, 1918, but grew up in Denmark. She returned to England as a young adult, determined to become a pilot. Vera became a pioneer in the air: one of the courageous women flying different planes under very hazardous conditions, with the RAF Air Transport Auxiliary, during WWII in England; a Flight Instructor with the Womens' Royal Air Force Voluntary Reserve in England, and a Flight Instructor for the Commonwealth Training Program for pilots in Southern Alberta in the '50's. In Edmonton, she focused on Christian mission work in the prairies and the north, often flying to her post. Vera continued to fly in her 70's, testing planes at the Camrose airport. In 2000, Vera was named to the Aviation Hall of Fame. Four years later, she parachute jumped on her 85th birthday. Vera was a strong spirit and she looked forward to joining her Lord. Journey well!
A funeral service will be held at Ansgar Danish Lutheran Church, 9554 – 108A Ave., Edmonton, Alberta on Wednesday, January 14, 2015 at 1:00 pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
11 Entries
Peter LaGrandeur
September 2, 2020
I had the privilege to be in Vera’s ground school class at night school at NAIT in Edmonton in the late ‘70’s. She was an exceptional instructor, full of enthusiasm, and always with lots of first hand stories about flying. To this day, I’ve retained much of what she taught me. She will be missed.
January 31, 2015
Vera gave me the privilege and trust to attend to her dental needs as her dentist for several years before I lost track of her. I was just reviewing a recent alumni magazine from the University of Alberta and was struck with the idea of 'googling' Vera Elsie Dowling to see if I could learn any more about her. I have often wondered what happened to Vera and am sad to learn that I missed the opportunity to say goodbye.
Vera always struck me as nothing less than exceptional and amazing. A bright spirit and not afraid to speak of her convictions. I have always thought of and remembered this most fabulous women since meeting her. I wish I could have known her in her younger years. A true gift to humanity! All my respect and love to Vera wherever she is.
Victor Spicer, B.Sc.D.D.S.
Val M.
January 22, 2015
My dad was next door to Vera at the Youville and I would see her each time I visited. I was so taken with her story and am honored to have met her. She was a remarkable woman.
Grant Corriveau
January 22, 2015
I had the priviledge of learning under Vera's tutelage at both the Edmonton Flying Club and later at Centennial Flying Sevices. She was not only a great instructor but more importantly a fine and interesting human being. What a pleasure it is to recall some of our flights together. I really enjoyed learning more of her early life from her biography that was recently published.
Thanks Vera! Godspeed.
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Wendy Jensen
January 14, 2015
I first met Vera ten years ago one morning at Ansgar before church service. A few years later, I recall hearing how she celebrated her 90th birthday by jumping out of a plane. Vera was courageous woman who always had interesting stories to share of her life. We have missed her the past few years at Ansgar. Thoughts are with her family and friends.
January 13, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Ron Brown
January 13, 2015
Dear Vera,
I had the good fortune of being your student when I took my Commercial pilots licence at the Edmonton Flying club.
You were caring yet brutaly firm opening my eyes to aspects of flight.
I know your training set the ground work for many years of safe and knowledgable flying.
thank you
Daren Frick
January 13, 2015
Obviously a woman who made good use of her time and made a positive impact, even for people who've never met her in person.
Greg & CAROL Blades
January 13, 2015
Vera will be missed by many friends and pilots. Vera was also a huge influence to many from NAIT PILOTS TRAINING
Karen Semotiuk
January 13, 2015
I did not know Vera, but am truly touched by her story of courage, adventure and purpose! An amazing woman who lived such a rich, full life, that has no doubt, touched the lives of many. Inspired by her love for people and that she impacted so many by her example, and gifted them with a Bible. Ever committed to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. May the angels rejoice at her homecoming, O good and faithful servant. Psalm 139
January 13, 2015
Vera C. Dowling will be remembered by me as ground school instructor at Penhold when I was in Air Cadets. She gave us each a bible that she had signed and it will forever be treasured by me. A remarkable woman, remarkable history.
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