Dorothy Grace (Russell) Armbrust

May 30 1924-April 14, 2023

At age 98, Dorothy has passed away. A fighter to the end, she has left a legacy of caring, independence and determination, much acknowledged by her three daughters, Susan, Gail and Barbara, as well as other family and friends.

She was born in Russell Manitoba to May Lewis who had emigrated from England to join her mother’s second family in 1920 and then married James Harold Russell. Her grandmother, known as Granny, was regarded with lifelong affection by Dorothy and her brother when she came to live with them and their mother while they were growing up in Gravenhurst, Ont. Apparently Granny had a wonderful expression for everything, carried on to Dorothy’s children.

In 1947 Dorothy married Evan Armbrust, who had courted her on his Harley Davidson while he was in the RCAF. Together they built up Belmar Welding which Evan had purchased in 1953. When Evan died suddenly in 1978, Dorothy continued her involvement after selling the business until she was 65.

As well as raising the family, and working in the business Dorothy heavily supported the St. Catharines community for 75 years, through the United Church, the St. Catharines Museum, the Shaver Hospital Auxiliary and Henley House. Dorothy made the most of her later years by making many trips to England and Edmonton to visit Gail and Barbara and their families. She also loved meeting up with everyone at the house of Susan and her husband John’s in St. Catharines. Dorothy will be dearly missed by her grandchildren Jonathan, Allison, Geoffrey, Louisa, Christa, Michael and Erik, as well as by her great -grandchildren Griffin, Ella, Oliver, Una Rae, Max and Sidney. Her brother Wharton Russell QC, predeceased her in 2019.

Dorothy, who was born in the prairies almost a hundred years ago, contributed greatly to society and to our family. She will be greatly missed.

Donations in memory of Dorothy can be made to Community Care St. Catharines.

In keeping with Dorothy's wishes cremation with a private interment has taken place.

A memorial service will be held for Dorothy at Trillium United Church, 415 Linwell Road, St.Catharines on June 9, 2023 at 11:00am.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.HulseandEnglish.com for the Armbrust family.