Dorothy McEwan

Passed away peacefully at Leacock Care Centre in Orillia on Tuesday April 7, 2020, three days prior to her 94th birthday. Predeceased by her beloved husband Jack. Loving mother of Audrey (Bob), Donna (Mike) and Debbie (William-predeceased). Loved grandmother of Amber, Rob, Mike, Dan, Michelle and Nicole. Great-grandmother of Arianne and Ryan. Survived by her sister Mary and predeceased by siblings Tom, Nellie, Bob, Jim and Winnie. Fondly remembered by many nieces, nephews and friends.

Because of the current health situation, a Celebration of Dorothy's Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers donations to the Alzheimer's Society of Ontario or a Charity of your choice would be appreciated.

Dorothy McEwan

Born April 10, 1926 to the late Herbert and Florence Wells, Dorothy Ada Wells was the middle child of seven, with three brothers and three sisters. Throughout her life she would reminisce about the wonderful times she had growing up with her mom, dad and siblings in their small, loving house in East York.

Dorothy graduated high school at Eastern Commerce and then got a job at Hayhoe’s Tea in downtown Toronto. There she met and became life-long friends with the Venning family and through them met her future husband Jack McEwan.

Dorothy and Jack, a widower with a beautiful daughter Audrey, married in July 1953. Two years later Donna was born followed by Debbie in 1958. Their bungalow quickly proved too small for their growing family, so Dorothy and Jack bought a brand new house in Scarborough.

Aside from a few part-time jobs, Dorothy was a stay-at-home wife and mother. She dedicated her life to her immediate and extended family. As the years passed and the girls grew, Jack decided to fulfill his life-long dream to build a house in the country. With the help and support of Dorothy and their daughters, the house was completed; and in 1972, to the surprise of many, Jack, Dorothy (the “city girl”) and Debbie moved from Toronto to their new home in Brechin.

Up north, Dorothy went back to work for General Bakeries while Jack worked for the Department of Natural Resources and at McRae Provincial Park until they decided to finally retire and pursue their love of travelling. In their RV, they travelled across Canada five times, as well as throughout the States.

In the early 90’s, after she survived colon cancer, Dorothy and Jack moved back to the GTA to be closer to family and hospitals. They sold the farm and moved to an apartment in Ajax. They kept active making crafts and crocheting blankets to donate to the needy. They would take daily walks around the neighbourhood and Dorothy got to shop again at the local stores and Pickering Mall. She got to spend more time with her daughters, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and siblings. The “Wells Girls’ Week” at Winnie’s cottage in Buckhorn became an annual tradition.

Sadly, after 43 years of marriage, Jack passed away on August 27th, 1996. Dorothy was now living alone for the first time in her life. Though she missed Jack dearly, she bravely remained in their apartment for another 20 years. She forged strong friendships with several neighbours in the building. She joined the Seniors’ Club and attended bingo weekly. She went out to lunch and shopping with her friends. She enjoyed reading and visited the library regularly. She continued to give generously to numerous charities and there was always a weekly trip to the Salvation Army to drop off clothing or housewares. She was a die-hard Blue Jays fan and watched all of their games. She looked forward to Girls’ Week, going to Mike and Donna’s cottage and spending the holidays with them and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed playing poker on Christmas Eve with her grandsons and helping prepare vegetables for Christmas dinner.

One of the most important things in Dorothy’s life was family. She always put family first and foremost. She loved having the opportunity to be a provider and helped where and when she could. You could see her joy when she saw her daughters, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and was so proud of them all.

In 2016, the signs of dementia became evident and in November that year, Dorothy moved into Mike and Donna’s house in Washago. She stayed with them until August the following year when she went to the Birchmere Retirement Residence in Orillia. Geared for independent living, she had the opportunity to be around people her age, enjoy daily entertainment and activities and delicious meals. Usually, she could not remember what she ate, only that it was good!

Unfortunately, as the dementia progressed, she had to be moved to the assisted care floor and then finally to long-term care at the Leacock Care Centre in December 2019. It was sad to see her struggle to recognize people or remember things. She realized this was happening and would often say, “Don’t feel bad when I’m gone. I had a good life.” Later she would say that she wanted to go home.

On April 7th, 2020, Dorothy passed away. Collectively, we lost a wonderful mother, grandmother, sister, companion, friend and mentor. She taught us all what is important in life: to love, support and care for the friends and family in our lives. We are all better off for having known her and she will remain with each of us. Although we will miss her dearly, we know her sickness and sorrow have ended. She is with Jack, her mom, dad, siblings and other family that have passed. She is back home.