Obituary of Dorothy Stratton
STRATTON, DOROTHY (nee Fleming)
The family sadly announces the death of Dorothy Stratton on Nov 21, 2018 in Belleville , ON in her 93rd year. Dorothy is predeceased by her beloved husband Roy (1996), her brother Sam (2018), special niece Norma (2018) and nephew Bobby; Roy’s sister Florence (Jack) and brother Bert (Mary), and brother-in-law (Leslie); she is survived by her much-loved sister Patricia (Bangor, N Ireland), and special sister-in-law, Audrey (Echo Bay, ON). Dorothy and Roy were proud parents of three boys, David (Lora), Derek (Lorna), and Brian (Bob); doting grandparents to James (Mary Louise), Jeremy (Gina), and Brent (Nichola); and happy aunt and uncle to many nieces and nephews both in Canada and N Ireland . A special thrill to Dorothy was long-awaited great-granddaughter, Alice (2017).
Born in Belfast , N Ireland in 1926, Dorothy arrived in Canada in 1946 as a war bride, joining Roy in Kenora , ON where they quickly became an integral part of town life. In the early years, Dorothy assisted with bookkeeping in the growing RF Stratton business of service stations and auto dealerships. They were heavily involved with Knox United Church , the Lions/Lionelles clubs, along with their sons’ activities. Dorothy was a key member of the Donna Club, the Bridge Club, and the Lake of the Woods Hospital Auxiliary. For 25 years, she prepared 500 pound bales of clothing for northern reserves and actively engaged in other church and town missions.
Skeptical at first of the concept of a cottage outside of town, Dorothy soon grew to love their camp on the Winnipeg River . From early June to late September, camp would resonate with the laughter and activities of family and friends. Summers when her parents were visiting from Ireland added to the joy, and the year they stayed through a Canadian winter was particularly memorable. After Roy ’s second retirement, Dorothy and he enjoyed winters away in Maui and later, Florida , where they made many lasting friends.
Dorothy and Roy enjoyed 50 years of wonderful marriage, but after Roy ’s passing, she moved “down east” to Picton , ON (1998) to be closer to her sons and grandchildren. Typical of Dorothy, she quickly became active in Picton United Church and the local hospital auxiliary’s Second Time Around Shop, and made many friends. In 2013 she returned to Kenora with eldest son David for one last visit to the town she loved.
In 2014, Dorothy decided to move to Quinte Gardens Retirement Residence in Belleville where she enjoyed participating in all the activities. She soon joined Eastminster United Church , where she participated as she was able.
Dorothy was a woman of deep faith and caring. She lived out her faith in service to others. Her family has an abundance of wonderful memories.
A celebration of her life will be held on November 29, 2018 at 1 pm at Steele Funeral Home, Moira Street Chapel, 30 Moira Street West, Belleville (613-968-2273), with a visitation one hour prior to service. Cremation has already taken place. Interment in Kenora beside her beloved Roy will take place at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Belleville General Hospital Foundation would be appreciated.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Dorothy
Stratton 1926 2018..
Death notice for the town of: Belleville, Province: Ontario