Obituary of Dorothy Skoropada
SKOROPADA, Dorothy
(nee McConnachie)
October 3, 1929 - August 26, 2020
'Oh flower of Scotland,
When will we see your like again…'
On August 26, we said our final goodbyes to our beautiful, feisty, Scottish lady. Mum passed peacefully at her home in Kingston, Ontario, surrounded by her closest family members, just as she requested.
Dorothy was born in 1929 in the granite city - Aberdeen, Scotland - to Peggy and Alec McConnachie, a commercial fisherman. In her late teens the sea called to her and she joined the Women's Royal Naval Service (WRENs), stationed in Portsmouth, England.
The Canadian Navy often docked in Portsmouth and the sailors would regularly attend local social events. As her future husband would tell the story, 'I saw this beautiful woman from across the room, dancing with a man from whom I thought she needed rescuing. I cut in. We were married months later.'
The ship that carried the ex-WREN from Portsmouth harbour in 1954 brought her to Canada to begin a new life with her Navy husband. For the next 20 years the military lifestyle allowed the growing family to live, and travel, all across Canada and Europe. Eventually settling in Stoney Creek, Ontario and finally Kingston, Ontario upon retirement.
Grace, class with a hint of sassy. An inveterate punster. A domino champ. Fabulous hostess. Cabbage roll queen. Ruler of the butter tart. Loving wife. Most cherished mother. Beloved grandmother. Treasured great-grandmother. We miss you with all our hearts and souls.
She is predeceased by her husband, Joseph and her mother and father - Margaret and Alexander McConnachie of Aberdeen, Scotland. She is survived by her daughters Margaret (Meg) Muirhead (Bruce Higgs), Lynn Doherty and by her son John (Liz Foxton). She is also survived by her grandchildren Alex Doherty, Ian Doherty (Colette), Lindsay (Neil Lalor), Ailish, Sierra and by great-great grandchildren Claire, Leanne and Evelyn Doherty.
At Dorothy's request, there will be no visitation. Cremation has taken place and there will be a private family ceremony at a later date.
