GHESQUIERE, Dorothy Ghesquiere

It is with deep sadness, that the family of Dorothy (De Sutter) (Hodson) (Eppel) Ghesquiere announce the peaceful passing of our cherished wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many, after a courageous struggle with illness, at the VON Sakura House Hospice, Woodstock, on Saturday, July 18th, 2026, at the age of 87. Dorothy Ghesquiere was born in Tillsonburg, daughter of Edgar De Sutter and Simonne (D’Hondt) De Sutter. Dorothy is survived by her husband Walter J. Ghesquiere, of Tillsonburg. Predeceased by her first husband John Hodson (1986) and her second husband John Eppel (2007). Always a loving mother to her children and their families: John Hodson, of Tillsonburg; Sandra Hodson-Holmes (Paul) of Dundas and their children Jacqueline and Alex; Kathy Crossley (Cameron) of Kitchener and their children Christopher and Meghan. Lovingly remembered by her step-family: Gary (Charlin) Eppel; Richard (Mary Anne) Eppel and their children Alison (Matt), Kristen (Tommy) and their children Silas and Jasper, Joshua (Manpreet), Benjamin (Cali), Hillary (Rodney) and their daughter Kira; Michael (Jennifer) Eppel and their children Ainsley and Jadyn; Julie (Glenn) Gilvesy and their children Jennifer and Steven; David (Sylvie) Ghesquiere and their children Matthew and Charlotte. Predeceased by her brother Edward Frank De Sutter (2007).

Those who knew Dorothy will remember her as courageous in facing life with dignity, thoughtful in the way she listened and cared, and wise in her understanding of people and life. Her life was a testimony of steadfast love, quiet faithfulness, and grace. Though she is no longer with us in body, her influence remains, and her memory will continue to be a blessing.

Dorothy was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church, Tillsonburg. She will be remembered for her love of singing at church and with various choirs such as the Tillsonburg Melody Makers.

The family will receive friends, relatives and neighbours on Thursday, July 23rd, 2026, between 2:00 and 4:00 and 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. in the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes Chapel, 262 Broadway, Tillsonburg. A Funeral Service to Honour Dorothy’s Life and Faith will be held on Friday, July 24th, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. in First Baptist Church (18 Harvest Ave., Tillsonburg), by Pastor David Heinrichs. Cremation follows with later inurnment in Langton Baptist Cemetery. Everyone who knew Dorothy is invited to share favourite memories and photos, express personal condolences or contribute memorial donations to “TDMH – Edgar De Sutter Dialysis Unit” or to “VON Oxford (Sakura House)” or “Youth for Christ” via Dorothy’s online tribute page at www.verhoevefuneralhomes.com or by contacting the Maurice J. Verhoeve Funeral Homes- Burial and Cremation Services Inc. (519) 842-4238, which has been entrusted with all funeral arrangements, with confidence.

“We would like to thank the wonderful Doctors Nurses PSWs and Staff at VON Sakura House for the wonderful care and comfort provided to Dorothy. Special thank you to Amy, Hanna and Claire.”