McKINSTRY, Dorothy Helen (nee McDowell) - Passed away in her 103rd year, at Sandy Lake on Monday March 20, 2017. Dorothy, formerly of Orpington Road, Peterborough.
Dear wife of the late Eric. Beloved mother of David (Michael Rattenbury) and Karen (David) Hickey. Cherished Grandma of Nicholas and Kolwyn. Dear Aunt of Maribeth, Paul, Anne, Judi, Bob and Rod.
Survived by Ted’s wife Jane McDowell (Nova Scotia). Predeceased by sisters Madeline, Bea, Marjorie and brother Ted.
She adored her two Trent Student “granddaughters” Faith and Ngina, the DiCicco clan, her theatre companion Anne and all her Grace women’s group friends.
Dorothy was a lifetime member of Grace United Church and served as a Board member of many community organizations.
On her wedding day in Nov. 1940 she received an embroidery of the King's Message “I said to a man who stood at the Gate of the year, Give me a light that I may tread safely into the unknown, and he replied, Go out into the darkness and put your hand into the hand of God, that shall be better to you than light and safer than the known way.”
Mum was a trend-setter... she started her family at age 39, had two kids who tested the boundaries of her world... thru’ it all she smiled - she coped with the loss of a son-in-law from AIDS in the 1990’s. Became a First time Grandma at age 82. At 101 she started using medical marijuana for pain and convinced several elder friends of its benefits for pain management. She had hoped to be around for her daughter’s birthday in a few days but it wasn’t in the stars.
Until the last few weeks of her life, she lived a remarkably mobile, involved and happy life surrounded by family and friends.
She cherished her memories of 35 summers on Stoney Lake at the family island, cheering her kids on in the regattas and always ready to set another plate at the table for her kids friends. She was a consummate volunteer – to Mum it was civic duty to give back to her community.
She will be missed terribly. She didn’t want anyone to grieve her passing, instead a celebration of her 102 full years lived will be held at Grace United Church on Friday March 24th, 11 am, reception to follow.
If desired, donations to Grace United Church or YWCA Crossroads may be made through Community Alternative funeral home, Peterborough.
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