Friday, December 21, 2018
Jim Abbott and spouse, Charlene, along with Jim’s children, Kyle and Brooke, fondly remember Dorothy as a doting mother, a welcoming mother-in-law, and a loving grandma. Jim loves memories of coming home for lunch where Mom would have a sandwich waiting for him, the plate garnished with lettuce and Miracle Whip, and a plate of homemade cookies. He loved travelling home with her to British Columbia to visit her home town. (Mom forever loved British Columbia and its beauty.) Jim loved listening to Mom sing to him, “Can’t Smile Without You” along with the car radio. He remembers watching her dance around the house with Dad. He loved spending time with Mom and Dad at the cottage and on the boat. Perhaps his favourite memories surround his appreciation for Mom and Dad’s support of him playing hockey, to look up in the stands and know they were cheering him on. Some of these memories continued through generations and are shared by Dorothy’s grandchildren who loved her homemade chocolate chip cookies, her magical money cakes and spending time with her at the cottage. Brooke and Kyle were very close with their grandma, calling or visiting each week, taking her shopping or going out for lunch. Grandma told Brooke they made a great pair. And Kyle was always in her thoughts so far away in BC.
Dorothy was always a wonderful conversationalist, interested in what was happening in the world. She never failed to ask how we were and about things that were going on in our lives. She loved a visit from her family or a day out for shopping and brunch. She was funny and witty and sometimes sarcastic and she loved to joke. She was quick to offer a funny comeback and always made us laugh. When one of her sons was pestering her, she would challenge him and say, “Just once…” as she pointed at her chin, jutting it out. And that would always make them smile. Dorothy always liked to have a good time. She had dear friends who she cherished and family that she adored. She made a great first impression on everyone she met and was easily endeared to new friends and family.
Dorothy loved music and reading, a good mystery crime story, and Dancing with the Stars. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed baking. Her “Santa Balls” were a crowd pleaser! She enjoyed life at the cottage and weekends on the boat. She loved British Columbia and Hawaii and travelling to the United States. She adored cats and dogs (especially Toby) and enjoyed feeding the birds. But most of all, Dorothy loved her family and friends.
