August 9, 1918- July 4, 2013
It is with great sadness to announce the sudden passing of Dorothy McCoy. Dorothy was born on James Island and was one of three daughters born to Violet and Herbert Burrows. Upon the death of her father when Dorothy was three, her mother moved her three girls to James Bay. Dorothy attended the Sprott Shaw College and worked at the Royal Jubilee Hospital for 40 years, all but five years in the Accounting Dept. Dorothy retired in 1977, after making many friends, and meeting her beloved future husband, R. John McCoy, who has predeceased her.
Dorothy was an accomplished painter and teacher, and a favorite student of her teacher, Frank Bass. At one point in her life, Dorothy debated upon becoming a commercial artist. Instead, after marrying John, Dorothy became an avid breeder of Pugs and owned Uphill Kennels. She bred many champions over the years, and there are still many of “Dorothy’s pugs” living on the Island. She was a honourary member of Pug Club of Canada and a regular member of the Canadian Kennel Club. Another passion of Dorothy’s was gardening. She lived in various homes on Vancouver Island during her lifetime, and she always left each one with spectacular gardens every time she moved!
Dorothy enjoyed having people in her life and never really “retired.” Dorothy planned to live to at least 100 years old, so that she could receive her birthday wishes from the Queen, upon her centenary. Those who knew Dorothy secretly believed she would live forever.
A reception will be held on Thursday, July 18, 2012 at 10:30 a.m. at McCall Bros., Johnson and Vancouver Streets, Victoria, B.C. Flowers gratefully declined, but donations can be made to The Land Conservancy (TLC) on Dorothy’s behalf.
McCall Bros. Funeral Home
Condolences may be offered below.
www.mccallbros.com
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david
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Val Berger I am still so sad that Dorothy has passed, as she was such a large part of my life. I am her second cousin and my only regret is that we did not live closer. I was able to spend a lot of quality time with her over the years, as she has always opened her home to my family and friends to come visit. Whenever we would get home, the first thing she would ask is “when are you coming back” !. I learned a lot about my family from Dorothy. There are so many good qualities about Dorothy it is hard to list them all here. She was the most organized person I have ever met. She loved her pugs . She was an amazing gardener and artist. She never stopped setting goals and giving herself something to look forward to. If she was sick she would say ” but I will feel better tomorrow.” She was such a pleasant person to be around. I already miss being able to call to talk to her on the phone and discuss the activities of the day/week. She has definitely given me some memories to carry through my life and for that I am thankful.
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Heather and Dennis Carpenter Dorothy was a precious gem. We shall miss her so much.
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Bob Mainwaring I was very sad to learn of Dorothy’s passing today. Dorothy introduced me to the first of the many pugs I have owned. People always remarked how beautiful they were. I proudly stated “well of course they are, they are Uphill pugs”. It’s rare to meet such caring people like Dorothy. She helped me many times, taught me many things, and answered my many phone calls.
Dorothy will now be running free with the thousands of her “pug” children and grandchildren.
Run free Dorothy. You will be missed, but never forgotten.
All my love
Bob Mainwaring
Victoria, British Columbia
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Doug & Jo-Ann Miller A great person, she will be greatly missed. Sorry we didn’t go to see her more often.
iam sad to hear dorothy has pass away
she was great lady who love her pugs so much
i have a black pug name oscar who is 11 years old now he is one of
dorothy’s dogs he is great pug and he is a uphill pug
from david