Dorothy Elizabeth Haswell
November 27, 1938 - November 19, 2024
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of beloved mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, great-grandmother, physician, teacher, and friend, Dorothy Elizabeth Haswell, who passed away peacefully at home on November 19, 2024, at the age of 85.
Daughter of Lilian and Ernest Haswell, Dorothy was born in the north of England into a coal-mining family just before World War II. She was grateful for the opportunity to complete Medical School in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, graduating in 1962. In 1966, Dorothy immigrated to Canada, where she built a fulfilling life, a family, and a successful career practicing and teaching family medicine before transitioning to psychotherapy.
Dorothy’s passion for music and singing was a constant source of joy throughout her life. From performing with her mother at family gatherings to singing in choirs and bands, music remained a lifelong love. In later years, she devoted time to knitting, creating beautifully crafted socks, shawls, and other gifts for friends and family. Her intellectual curiosity spanned a range of interests, including calculus, cosmology, stoicism, sketching, and murder mysteries.
Dorothy was a loving mother to her sons, John (wife Nancy) and David (wife Minerva), a proud grandmother to Jack and Emily, and a doting great-grandmother to Lilly-Anne. She is survived by her sister Lilian and predeceased by her brother Ernie. Fondly remembered by her many friends and fellow musicians, Dorothy will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Dorothy’s life was marked by her warm spirit, generosity, and unending curiosity. She lived by her advice to “do what you love both at work and at play, and to work at doing it well,” a testament to her dedication to lifelong learning.
The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Dorothy’s many friends and the wonderful team at Windermere on the Mount for their care and companionship. Out of respect for Dorothy’s wishes, there will be no formal celebration of life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in her memory.
