Dorothy died peacefully and surrounded by family in Victoria, BC.
Born in Newcastle, UK, she began her nursing training as a teenager before moving to London for several years where she met Graham. They married in 1960 and started their family, emigrating to Canada with young Martin and David to Montreal, where Judy was born. The family moved west to North Vancouver in the late 1970s, and Dorothy continued nursing at Lions Gate Hospital, then to Powell River, where she and Graham could sail the Star Sapphire throughout the Gulf Islands and Desolation Sound. They have since enjoyed many years of retirement and world travel, having finally settled in Victoria in the 1990s.
Dorothy is survived by her beloved husband Graham with whom she shared 66 years of marriage, her children Martin, David (Jillan), Judy (Cameron), as well as Bethany, Hazel and Molly, who she was proud to call her grandchildren. She will also be missed by nieces and nephews in the UK.
Dorothy is known for her compassion, empathy, mischief, music and storytelling. She had a gift for lifting spirits and supporting those who needed a boost. In her later years she pursued a lifelong dream to play the harp, becoming enmeshed in the harp community of the Pacific northwest and sharing many of her ‘Maggie’ stories at ceilidhs and other performances. She was a loving wife, mother, aunt, sister and friend, a kindred spirit and surrogate mother to many, a patron to developing artists and musicians, a cheerleader to those who were struggling, and a teacher of life lessons through her stories, which almost always included some amusing mishap and hopeful resolve. In her later years, she became an active member of the St. Mary’s Anglican Church in Oak Bay, where she continued to share her music, knitting, life stories and laughter.
She will be remembered for her love and kindness.
Dorothy’s family would like to thank the staff at Palliative Care, Royal Jubilee Hospital for their excellent care in her final days. If you would like to honour her memory, please consider a donation to Victoria Hospice or Royal Jubilee Hospital for the purchase of life-saving equipment.
A Memorial to Celebrate Dorothy will be held at St. Mary the Virgin Anglican Church, 1701 Elgin Road, Victoria, BC V8R 5L7, on August 29th, 2026, at 2:30 pm.
Condolences may be offered to the family below.
McCall Gardens
www.mccallgardens.com
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11 Responses
Dorothy was a lovely woman I was fortunate to meet only a short while ago. I treasure those few meetings. Her encouragement began my recent attempt at learing harp, and the fulfilling a dream of many years. You are always in my thoughts when I sit down to play. My condolences to her entire family and many friends. Now you’re playing with the angels Dorothy.
Dorothy made a huge contribution to the harp world (and doubtless many other “worlds as well) in Victoria BC and beyond. She encouraged others to start the harp, added humour and grace to the lives of all she met. She will be hugely missed. Alison Vardy
Dorothy was a lovely sister in law who accepted me into her and Grahams life. No questions asked, no comments made. This to my mind was Dorothy. She accepted people as they were and always made them very welcome. With Grahams brother, Ray, I spent many wonderful holidays and stays with them in one of the most beautiful parts of the world. We also had fun travelling with them, usually celebrating special events in their lives.
I will also never forget Dorothy’s harp playing, with one of her harps sat in my living room even now. She encouraged me to learn to play, which I did, and I still enjoy playing on occasion now, though not up to her amazing standard. The last new piece I learnt was ‘St Columbus Moon’ written by Dorothy and played by Josh Layne. Hearing it inspired me to learn it. I even played a tiny part of it on a film that was made about the New Town that I live in!
I regret that I never made it out to Victoria to see Dorothy and Graham after I lost Ray, but she was very often in my thoughts. Dorothy will be missed by many people in Canada and across the pond here in the UK.
I send my love and hugs to Graham, Martin, David and Jillan, Judy and Cameron.
Our dear Dorothy was well-loved by all of us in the harp world. Her ‘Maggie’ stories were the high point of every ceilidh at our harp events. She traveled to Norway with the Harpa Tour in 2008, sharing her knitted tea cosy ‘recipe’ and her calm, positive outlook on life with the other harpers, always kind and full of laughter. No one who knew Dorothy could ever forget her.
My great aunt Dorothy was full of adventurous spirit. Her eyes twinkled and her enthusiasm was infectious.
Despite her love for life in Canada Dorothy’s Chester-le-st lilt didn’t fade. I’m so glad we made the trip to see Dorothy and her family. It was a joyous experience with memories to treasure. Tiny Bubbles in the wine make you feel happy make you feel fine.
Sending love to Graham, Dorothy’s biggest supporter and best companion in Dorothy’s life adventure XX
Dorthy , an amazing lady. Happy, her harp music was beautiful.
Thank you, for your happy spirit, and beautiful smile.
Heaven will happily welcome you. God Bless you and your family.
Thank you , Dorthy
Dorothy was so blessed to have such a loving and supportive family with you all,but of course that was because she set such a good example to everyone! She was so warm always and fun, had the best love of life and certainly made the most of it, living an adventurous and rich life, always so generous with her time and affection.
Thinking of you all, Judy, Cam, Hazel, Bethany and Mollie David and Jillan, and Martin. Hope your happy memories give you lots of comfort. X
Dorothy was a wonderful Mum and very kind and supportive of us all. So talented too! Sending you my sincere condolences to you and your family…
So sorry to hear of your mom’s passing, Judy – she was such a wonderful person! I am sure you have many memories to cherish.