Dorothy Kostrzewa
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August 17, 1928
Dorothy Kostrzewa | |
|---|---|
| Born | Dorothy Chung August 17, 1928 Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada |
| Died | January 11, 2013 (aged 84) Royal Columbian Hospital, New Westminster, British Columbia |
| Occupation | Politician |
| Spouse | Richard Kostrzewa |
| Children | 2 |
| Awards | Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal (2013) |
Dorothy Nan Kostrzewa (née Chung; August 17, 1928 – January 11, 2013) was a Canadian politician. She is the first Chinese-Canadian woman to hold political office in Canada when she was elected to Chilliwack City Council in 1970. She served on city council for 33 years making her the longest serving city councillor in British Columbia.[1]
Dorothy Kostrzewa was born the youngest of eight children fathered by Chinese immigrant, Dr. Chung Bing Kee in Chilliwack's Chinatown neighbourhood.[2] Her parents died, leaving the children watched over by family and friends.[2] Kostrzewa was mainly raised by her second-oldest brother, Wally.[3] She studied accounting at the Duffus School of Commerce in Vancouver, and worked as an accountant at Chilliwack General Hospital from 1949 until 1969.[1]
Kostrzewa had high scores in bowling in Chilliwack.[4] She also taught tennis and played badminton.[5][6]
Political career
She was first elected to Chilliwack City Council in 1970 making her the first Chinese-Canadian to hold political office in Canada and the first woman elected to Chilliwack township council.[7][3][8] Her successful run for office in 1970 was considered an "exceedingly strong showing" by The Chilliwack Progress.[8] In 1972, she served on the finance committee and the Civic Properties and Recreation Commission as chair.[3] In 1973, she was chair of the Centennial committee.[3] She retired from politics in 2008.[1]