Dorothy Elaine (née Woodman) McPherson
February 24, 2021
June 27, 1937 – February 24, 2021
It is with profound sadness that the family of Dorothy Elaine McPherson (née Woodman) announce her peaceful passing at home on Wednesday, February 24, 2021, at the age of 83 years. Born in Grand Cascapédia, Quebec, she held a lifetime affection for the Gaspé Peninsula and was proud to be a sixth-generation British Gaspesian.
Dorothy will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 60 years, David; children, Lauren (Jan) Malec and Kara (Link) Malott; grandchildren, Joanna and Julia Malec, and Brick, Keller, and Morgan Malott. Survived by her sister, Hildred Lepine; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Inez Amy and Lawrence; brother, Howard (2019); and son, Jamie (2014).
Dorothy attended St. Thomas Collegiate Institute and was a graduate of Alma College, St. Thomas, spending her early career with London Life and Manufacturers Life Insurance Company, in Toronto. Dorothy’s passion for all things creative is the true hallmark of her life. She has been a journalist, playwright, poet, historian, folk artisan, international award-winning dollmaker, quilting instructor, author, curator, publisher (including Miss Janey Canuck) and cartoonist. She served as church pianist and organist, and entertained family and friends through the years with her talented piano and violin playing. Dorothy was a tireless community volunteer throughout her life in Tilbury, Port Colborne and London, Ontario. She made many lifelong friends through her connections with Canadian Society for Creative Leathercraft, Niagara Guild of Crafts, and London Arts Council. She founded two fine arts guilds and was the recipient of three government awards for her volunteer work on behalf of the arts. Her many sketchbooks attest a love for touring Canada.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dorothy’s family physician, Dr. Thomas Eberhard, for his care and dedication.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at Westview Funeral Chapel, 709 Wonderland Road North, London, at 1:00 p.m., with an interment of ashes to follow. The family welcomes anyone who is unable to attend the service, to view the service via livestream. Registration is required to attend the service and to view the livestream.
To register for Dorothy’s service, please click here: >Registration page for Dorothy’s memorial service on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.
To register for the livestream of Dorothy’s service, please click here: >Registration page for the livestream of Dorothy’s service on Sunday, June 27, 2021 at 1:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dorothy’s name may be made to Craft Ontario, where an annual award is planned.
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We did not know Dorothy. We're only left to wish we had. But such a wonderful person, so large in life, leaves a large space that must be surely filled with memories and artwork that tell of Dorothy's industry and gifts. We join you in celebrating her life.
I write this note to the family with much love and humble awe of who my beautiful Aunt Dorothy (Dot) was. My heart aches deeply for the loss and I extend condolences and prayers to her wonderful husband Dave whom I respect very much, her children, grandchildren and all who loved her. She was a true Woodman in the sense that she loved chatting and was filled with so much artistic talent. I am mesmerized by the many creative skills she possessed and shared with others. I have a purple beaded bracelet she made for me over 20 years ago. I cherish it dearly and still wear it. In this day and age with people focusing more on their cell phones and social media than human connection, Aunt Dot rose above that. She enjoyed writing newsletters about the family. She put thoughtful care packages together for me, and shipped them across the country to me so I wouldn't feel so alone in my new journey out west. Those gestures meant more than mere words can convey. Kindness is powerful and she embodied it. She left a forever imprint on my heart. Our loss is heaven's gain. Love, Shannon Woodman (Neice)
Sincere condolences to you, Dave, and your family, in your loss of Dorothy. I have many good memories of the times we spent together volunteering for The Arthritis Society and Bluebird Club in Port Colborne. Her personality, talents and dedication, along with your "organization" skills were so helpful to me and The Society in this city. You were a great team!. I know she will be missed.
Condolences to your family from the Alma College Alumnae. I met Dorothy a few years ago. We had a long chat in her kitchen one day, with her husband. She was so smart and sociable. She will be remembered in the annual Alma newsletter and at our next reunion. Donna
My condolences to The McPherson family. I was a friend of Jamies.
David, Lauren and Kara, I am sending condolences to all of you after hearing of Dorothy's passing. It has been a long time since we were neighbour's in Port Colborne but my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Please accept my sincerest sympathy in your loss. I remember Dorothy from when I worked at the Port Colborne Library. She was a very talented artist and a lovely woman. Anna Larsen London Mr. McPherson... I was a student in your Grade 9 math class at Port Colborne High School, 1976-'77.... (Anna Petti)
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With warm and heartfelt sympathy we offer our condolences to you and your family. May your hearts be filled with the wonderful memories of many joyful years you spent with Dorothy. Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your Family during this time.
~ Doug & Denise Metler