Dorothy Gregson

In 1950 she married a local young engineer, Alan Gregson, and they set up house in Maidenhead, near London England. She taught shorthand and typing, and worked as a secretary while studying Art, Calligraphy and Embroidery at the Harris Institute and Art School.

An adventurous couple, they travelled to London in 1953 where, to get a good view, they spent the night on the street, and watched with 3 million others as Princess Elizabeth passed by in her gold carriage en route to her Coronation, and then returned as Queen.

In 1958 she sailed across the ocean with her two sons (Simon at almost 3 and Richard at 5 months of age) on the ‘Sylvania’ to reunite with her husband. Together they purchased a house on the outskirts of Dundas, which was to become the family residence for the next 60+ years. Daughter Kendra was added to the clan in 1964.

Dorothy, always interested in art, colour and embroidery, had an illustrious career as a Textile Artist whose primary concentration was the creation of modern ecclesiastical garments and banners. Many Bishops, Priests, Deacons and churches, spread across 4 continents, have been adorned with her works. She also taught contemporary embroidery at Mohawk College for many years.

Always concerned about the environment, she kept the land around the family compound rather wild for the deer, birds and other wildlife to enjoy. Later a series of rough paths rambled through her private nature reserve, providing access to view the many plants, deer, fawns, birds and assorted animals that resided there.

Adventure was part of their lifestyle: driving to Florida, sailing the Greek Islands, shooting the rapids in the Grand Canyon, safari in Tanzania, bussing around South America, and greeting relatives in Britain and Australia.

A social activist, she travelled to China for the negotiation of the UN Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW). And she steered the launch of the Anglican Decade of Churches in Solidarity with Women in Brazil.

Unfortunately, Dorothy was afflicted with Parkinson’s Disease and succumbed in hospital on Aug 11 2022, at the age of 94. All her children and their spouses were happy they could visit with her prior to her passing.

Much loved, she will be deeply missed by her many friends and her three children and their spouses, Simon (Christa), Richard (Judy) and Kendra.

A service will be held Wednesday August 24, 2022, 1:00 pm at St James Anglican Church in Dundas.

In lieu of flowers please consider planting some wildflowers and donating to Parkinson Canada.