Obituary
Parsons; Dorothy Helen (Hunt) (neé Brocklebank)
April 29, 1928 – June 2, 2022
Our beautiful mom, Dorothy Parsons (Hunt), died at Trillium Manor in Orillia with family by her side on June 2, 2022 at the age of 94, after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Much loved and admired by her five children: Barb Hunt, Kathy Hunt (Lance), Brian Hunt (Sylvie), Ross Hunt (Judy) and Bruce Hunt. Predeceased by her husband, Len Parsons. Also predeceased by her first husband and the father of her children, George E. Hunt. She was cherished as “Grandma Dorothy” to eight grandchildren: Kalli (Zack), Dylan, Daniel (Molly), Jeff (Anick), Christine, Ryan, Kyle (predeceased), Karita (Augusto); and eight great-grandchildren: Elodie, Jonah, Owen, Rory, Hayden, Elliott, Lilja and Damian. Sister of Robert (Bob) Brocklebank (Paula) of Vancouver; dear sister-in-law of Ruth Clarke (Ernie, predeceased) and Glenna and Bill Hunt (predeceased).
The daughter of Alexander Brocklebank and Lottie Elva (nee Reilly/O’Reilly), Dorothy was born in Toronto and grew up on a farm in Grand Valley, Ontario. She graduated in 1949 from the Wellesley Hospital School of Nursing in Toronto and stayed in touch with her nursing school friends throughout her life. In December 1949, she married George Hunt of Grand Valley. They had five children and the family moved many times, living mostly in southern Ontario, as well as Chicago, New Jersey, Prince Edward Island, Ottawa and Colombia. Dorothy married Len Parsons in 1978 in Ottawa, where Dorothy worked as a nurse at the Ottawa Civic Hospital Cancer Clinic. Dorothy and Len retired to White Rock, British Columbia. In White Rock, Dorothy did volunteer work with the Peace Arch Hospital Auxiliary Superfluity Shop and was an avid member of the local newcomers’ club.
In every place Dorothy lived, she loved to spend time outdoors, walking, hiking, cross-country skiing, camping, cycling and swimming. Dorothy loved babies and children, and when she had teenage children, her welcoming, accepting and unflappable presence made her home the one where all the neighbourhood kids wanted to hang out. Dorothy has left us for what we hope is the peace and beauty she so deserves, after being such a loving nurturer, supporter, nurse, partner, adventurer and friend. Her good nature, warmth, and easy-going disposition inspired so many throughout her life.
We wish to express our heartfelt gratitude to the many absolutely wonderful staff members at the Trillium Manor who spent so many hours caring for our mom, and who always found ways to add a little bit of joy to her life.
In keeping with Dorothy’s wishes, there will not be a funeral service, but a family gathering to take place at a later date. If desired, memorial donations to the Couchiching Conservancy, in recognition of Dorothy’s lifelong love of the outdoors, and her end-of-life journey in Orillia, are welcomed. Messages of condolence are welcomed at www.mundellfuneralhome.com
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Dorothy Helen Parsons April 29 1928 June 2 2022 (age 94)..
Death notice for the town of: Orillia, Province: Ontario
My family lived next door to the Hunts in St. Thomas. I remember Dorothy as beautiful, kind, and contained – with energy! She and my Mom (also a nurse) shared special times with the birth of Bruce and my brother, Bill. Mom said that Dorothy lit up the time they spent comparing pregnancy notes.
I had never heard of Grand Valley until the Hunts talked about it, but when my husband and I retired to Dufferin County, it was one of the first places we checked out. If Mrs. Hunt thought is was beautiful, it was definitely a place to see. Wishing Dorothy peace and beauty in her next chapter and her family comfort in the memories she made.