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Dr. Dorothy Gail Negropontes, age 62, passed away surrounded by family and friends, music and stories, at the Foothills Medical Centre on Monday May 15th, 2017, from an unknown encephalopathy. Born July 3rd, 1954, to Charlie and Rose (White) Richardson, Dot grew up on a farm near Eagle Hill, west of Olds. Graduating from Olds High School, Dot was encouraged to continue her schooling by her eldest brother, Jim. She soon developed a passion for lifelong learning, going on to receive a Bachelor of Education from the University of Calgary followed by a Masters of Science from the University of Oregon and finally a Doctorate of Education, also from U of C. In 1982, Dot married longtime sweetheart Theodor “Teddy” Negropontes, and the couple welcomed their only son, John, in 1985. A devoted wife and mother, she deftly balanced a deep commitment to her family with an outstanding career in education. While spending many a weekend at the rink or bringing meals to hungry farmers in the field, Dot rose through the ranks from teacher to Vice Principal of Olds High School, the first Principal of Deer Meadow School, eventually transitioning to central office taking on a number of positions, ultimately finishing her career as the Deputy Superintendent of Chinook’s Edge Regional School Division. Over the years, Dot’s influence has been felt throughout the community to which she devoted her life and energy. Not only as a teacher, administrator, and one of the driving forces behind the Community Learning Campus, but as a volunteer, cheerleader, patron, mentor, sage, friend, and, not infrequently, surrogate mom. Dorothy is survived by husband Teddy; son John; daughter-from-another-mother Morningstar Bloom; siblings Lynn Contway, Ron, Geoff and Penelope Richardson, and Cindy Leussink, their spouses and her myriad nieces and nephews, both great and otherwise, in-laws, many cousins, and even an aunt or two. She was preceded in death by parents Charlie and Rose, and brother Jim. A Celebration of Life will be held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday May 25th, 2017 in the Olds High School Gymnasium(Ralph Klein Centre, located on the Olds College Campus, 4500 - 50th Street, Olds). In lieu of flowers, Dot’s family will be setting up a memorial scholarship fund in her memory. Details to be announced at the service and on Heartland Funeral Services website. Heartland Funeral Services Ltd., Olds entrusted with arrangements. 403-507-8610 www.heartlandfuneralservices.com