Isabel Linda “Dolly” Powell age 90, of Souris Manitoba passed away peacefully at the Souris Health Centre on January 22, 2026, with her son by her side.
Dolly is survived by her daughter Susan (Greg) Smith of Calgary; her son Scott Powell (Cathy) of Souris; her grandchildren Cailin (Jordan) Gillis of Calgary and Steven (Brittany) Smith of High River; and her great-granddaughters Sawyer and Leighton Gillis of Calgary. She is also lovingly remembered by many nieces, nephews, and friends.
She was predeceased by her husband Norman Lyle Powell; her parents Neil Doyle and Katherine (Weedmark) Bennett; her twin brothers John and Pat Doyle; her brother Jim Doyle; and her sisters Alice Brown, Betty Henry, and Eileen Wright.
Dolly was born on August 9, 1935, in Perigord, Saskatchewan. She received her education in Kelvington and Forget Saskatchewan as well St. Rose du Lac and Flin Flon Manitoba.
At a young age Dolly began her working career at Flin Flon Hospital as a nurse’s aide. Her curiosity and sense of adventure brought her to Souris. While working at the Souris Hospital as a nurse’s aide, she took on additional responsibilities in the laboratory and x-ray departments.
It was in Souris she met her future husband. Dolly married Lyle Powell on June 16, 1956, in Brandon, Manitoba. Together they lived in Souris, Winnipeg, Brandon and eventually settled in Souris. They were blessed with two children: Susan and Scott.
Dolly was hardworking and a tremendous help to Dad on the farm—from running the grain truck at harvest time (earning the nickname “Ralph”), to delivering full-course meals out to the fields during seeding and harvest. She maintained a spotless home and kept a freezer full of homemade cookies, pies, and other treats—always ready just in case someone should drop by. She took up the piano in her late years, something she always wanted to do and received the honor of being the eldest pupil her piano teacher had ever taught. She taught Sunday School at the Anglican and Apostolic churches and participated in Pioneer Club. Her hobbies of quilting and gardening brought her great joy.
She worked at Victoria Park Lodge in the 1970’s and in later years the Lodge became her home.
Moms’ faith in Jesus Christ was unwavering. She was a longtime member of the Souris Gospel Chapel and attended regularly until health issues made it difficult to attend. She initiated the prayer chain at the church and continued to participate until she could no longer.
A Celebration of Dolly’s Life will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2026, at the Faith Community Baptist Church, Souris Manitoba at 2:00 p.m. Private family interment will be in Souris-Glenwood Cemetery.
In memory of Isabel “Dolly” Powell, donations may be made to the Souris Hospital Palliative Care Fund, c/o Prairie Mountain Health, Box 10, Souris, Manitoba, R0K 2C0 or Operation Smile Canada.
The family would like to thank Dr. Cram for his exceptional care of mom and her family throughout the years. To all the staff at the Souris Hospital your professionalism and true compassion did not go unnoticed. To the Palliative Care volunteers, you brought great comfort to mom and the family, and you will be remembered with deep gratitude.
We will always love you Mom and you will forever be in our hearts.
Auntie Dolly was the sister to my mom and when my mom passed away Auntie became like a second mom to me. Her strong faith was an inspiration to me. She always told me that I was never alone and God was always with me in the good and bad times. Murray and I were so blessed to be at her 90th Birthday Celebration. It was so much fun and we had such a great visit! I will miss our many facetime visits but I know I can still talk to you and you are listening to me from Heaven! We will meet again but in the meantime behave yourself up there and have fun with my mom and dad!!! lol Love you loads Auntie!!!
Sorry to hear of your mom’s passing.Thoughts and condolences to you,Susan and Scott as well as your families.
Sorry to hear of Dolly’s passing.
Condolences to Susan & Scott and families.
Susan and family: So sorry for your loss. You will always carry your mother with you in your heart and your memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Dolly was a wonderful lady. She had a great sense of humor and was such a pleasure to visit. Her family meant the world to her. Rest in Peace Dolly.
We were very sorry to hear of Dolly’s passing, condolences to her family at this sad time.
Sorry to learn of Dolly’s passing. She was a kind and gentle soul. Sincere sympathy to her family.
Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
[22] But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, [23] gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
Dolly lived a life of grace and love. She spread her love everywhere she went and made a friend of each person who came into her path. Dolly was the person who always had a smile and a laugh no matter how hard things got. She shared Jesus in more than words, but in her actions and the way she lived. She will be missed here on earth, but in Heaven she is celebrating! We love you Dolly!
Dolly’s passing had left a huge, aching hole in this world. She was sunshine and sweetness everywhere she went. Her humor put many in stitches and her prayers were a great comfort and encouragement.
Though we miss her here, she is enjoying exploring heaven with her best friend, Jesus.
Susan, Scott and families
Sending sincere condolences on the loss of your mother. She was such a dear sweet lady, a joy to be around. I so enjoyed our visits.
She will be greatly missed by all that knew her.
Thinking of you. Love Margaret
Sincere Condolences to Dolly’s family.
Dolly was a kind, generous and wonderful lady. A true Gem.
It was a pleasure to know her.
Thinking of you all at this sad time, may your memories be comforting.
I send you all healing prayers and a comforting hug.
R.I.P. Dolly
Dolly was a beautiful , loving and caring women . She was a very good friend to my Mom ( Delma Wilkinson) and my girls have very fond memories of Dolly from Sunday school and pioneer club years .
Our condolences to the families on your loss of this special lady .
Paul and Chris Swaenepoel and family
My sympathies to Dolly’s family. She was a great friend to Mom in VPL.