It is with great sadness that the family of Dorothy MacPherson announce her passing on Monday December, 12th, 2022 in her 100th year. She died at home with family close to her.
Dorothy has dearly missed her husband Oscar (Mac), who passed 8 years ago. They are together once again. Dorothy was very much loved by her children, Bill (Kim); Jim (Lindsay); Mary Crann(Dave) and Gord (Jennifer). Her family of 11 grandchildren and 10 (soon to be 11) great-grandchildren will forever remember their specials times with Grandma Do.
Dorothy Johnston was born on March 31, 1923, on a farm on the 8th line, near Thornbury. She was one of six daughters and 3 cousins raised together in a 17 room farmhouse. Her younger sister, Greta, carries the living torch for the Johnston sisters. Dorothy often shared wonderful stories about her life growing up on the farm. At the age of 19, Dorothy left her small town to attend Normal School in Toronto. On one of her journeys by train, she met Oscar, a young Airforce navigator, who soon became the love of her life. They married, lived in Zephyr, Richmond Hill, Canoe Lake, and Huntsville with a final stop, Barrie, Ontario. Dorothy taught elementary school for 35 years and considered it the most wonderful job in the world. She made an impact on many of her students and they on her. It wasn’t uncommon for Dorothy to receive a phone call or visit from former students. Upon retirement, Dorothy and Mac visited many different countries; engaged in house exchanges; spent winters in Daytona Beach; and stayed many Septembers in their travel trailer at Craigleith Provincial Park well into their eighties. When home, Dorothy volunteered at RVH in the Special Care Unit. Family dinners were often any day of the week, with food prepared from their garden. Life was busy lending a helping hand to the needs of her grandchildren. Dorothy’s Christian faith and involvement in the Westminster church family was an integral part of her life. Her work ethic was incredible. After Mac died, Dorothy continued to live in her home and opened her arms to the kind, loving support of some very special caregivers, Kim, Elma and Vilma. Dorothy was very loved, a family-oriented mom and who laughed like she meant it. She will dearly be missed by family and friends.
In recent years Dorothy has had several health issues that proved to be challenging. Special thanks to the wonderful Paramedicine Community team; Dr. Ozimok; Dr. Tailor; Nurse Jody; Dr. McKenzie and the Palliative medical team.
A visitation and service will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 170 Steel St., Barrie on December 20th, 2022, with arrangements entrusted to the Steckley-Gooderham Funeral Home, 30 Worsley St., Barrie. Visitation will be at 1:00 pm and the service will begin at 2:00 pm. If desired, memorial donations may be made to the Canadian Lung Association, Westminster Presbyterian Church or a charity of your choice.
Online memories and condolences may be forwarded via www.steckleygooderham.com