Dorothy England

1921-2016

On Thursday March 17, 2016, God gently took Dorothy’s last breath of her 95 years and enabled her to die with dignity at home of natural causes. She is now at peace in the heavens alongside her late husband Jack (1987), their only child-daughter Karin England Hooton (2000), her beloved cat of over 20 years Casey, and the rest of her late siblings, in-laws, and relatives. Dorothy was the second oldest of 7 children born to the late Joseph and Maude Garnham (nee Knife) in 1921. Her father Joseph was a World War I veteran and worked for the Canadian National Railway. Her mother Maude was a homemaker, an exceptional seamstress, and worked part-time at a textile factory in Hamilton.

As a young child Dorothy loved being outdoors in nature and was fascinated by the stars and outer space. Her happiest childhood memories were those of the family weekend outings to LaSalle Park, hiking up Snake Road to Waterdown with picnic baskets in tow, roller skating, and riding the train to visit her father within Ontario and the U.S. Dorothy always dreamed of being an actress and a dancer, but alas when her father died suddenly during the Great Depression when she was 12 years old, she and her oldest brother Joe became even more responsible for their younger siblings and had to do odd jobs to help their mother support their family. Sometimes your dreams are put aside to take care of others, and Dorothy’s heartfelt commitment to her family was her first priority which was evident throughout her entire life. She was allowed to graduate a year early from Westdale High School, where she was an outstanding student and athlete, excelling in English, Math, basketball, and baseball. Upon graduation Dorothy worked at Tuckett’s Tobacco Factory and she also attended night school learning secretarial skills.

She met her future husband Jack “going around” at the Roller Rink and they married a few years later. During World War II, Jack took leave from his Electrical Engineering job at Westinghouse and served in the Royal Canadian Air Force. Shortly afterwards Dorothy was hired to build bomb sites for the Air Force at Westinghouse, a job which she was very proud and honored to do for her country. In 1944 their daughter Karin was born, Jack had resumed his job at Westinghouse, Dorothy was working at Eaton’s, and in 1948 the England’s were among some of the first families to build their home in the Rosedale area.

Dorothy was then employed by Simpson Sears for 20 years from where she retired in 1984. She began in the Optical Department, and then quickly advanced into the Advertising Department where she typed out the layouts and ads for Sears that were published in the Hamilton Spectator. Dorothy also “walked the Sears catwalk” for many years, modelling in the company fashion shows. Her last 2 years at Sears were spent working in the Catalog Department. After her retirement, she devoted her time caring for her ailing husband and years later her daughter as well. Life can be bittersweet and unfair at times, but Dorothy always tried to make the best of her circumstances. She enjoyed nature walks, going for drives in the countryside, knitting, the birds, squirrels, and chipmunks that frequented “Dorothy’s Diner” under the Maple tree, and gardening. Dorothy was thrilled to receive numerous Trillium Awards for her beautiful gardens and landscaping over the years.

Dorothy is survived by her best friend-her loving, devoted, and dedicated granddaughter Terri Ferguson of Stoney Creek, sister-in-law Louise England, niece Debi Palmer, and great-niece Lisa Palmer. Along with her husband Jack and daughter Karin, Dorothy was predeceased by her sisters Evelyn Egan (late Carl), Helen Agnew (Jack), and infant baby Vera as well as brothers Joe Garnham (late Isabel), Jack Garnham, and Charlie Garnham. Dorothy was also predeceased by niece Shelley Egan, nephews Timothy Egan and Craig England, sister-in law Emily Anderson (late Buddy), and brother-in-law Tom England (late Doe and late Lois).

Much thanks and gratitude goes out to Dr. Rupika Ghelani for the exceptional care and compassion she provided for Dorothy, as well as making house calls and any necessary arrangements to keep Dorothy comfortable and respecting her wishes to be able to stay in her home.

Dorothy always emphasized the need to take better care of our planet. From global warming and pollution, to the melting icebergs and plight of the polar bears; from the insects, bees, and pollination to the effects of pesticides on reproduction, Dorothy was a long time environmental advocate. She also felt the absolute necessity to eliminate guns, wars, violence, poverty, and famine. It was her wish that everyone would be “kind to one another” and respect Mother Nature for all She has to offer. Arrangements have been entrusted to Marlatt Funeral Home & Cremation Centre. Cremation has taken place. Online condolences may be made at www.marlattfhhamilton.com.