With overwhelming sadness we announce the death, on Saturday, April 8, 2023 of Dorothy Olive (Herbst) Nixon.
Dorothy was the cherished wife of Peter, and devoted mother of Carol (Vojo) and the late Ian (Beth). She was the fun loving and much loved grandma of Ashley (Hayder), Trevor, Olivia (Joel), Fiona (Josh), Jed, Nora (Todd) and Hilary.
Born in Ottawa in 1931, Dorothy was the daughter of the late Ethel and Harry Herbst, and sister of the late Harold (late Gwen), late Alice (late Bill Potts), and late Bill (Ruth). She was the daughter-in-law of the late Isobel and George Nixon and sister-in-law of the late Donald (late Liz) and late Betty (late George Grant).
Dorothy believed in people and in their capabilities: not only family and friends, but also the many others she met along the way. She listened to people, really listened. She cared, and they knew she cared. Dorothy lived the message of First Corinthians Chapter 13,
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.”
For an Ottawa girl, moving to Wawa, Bell Island Newfoundland, and finally the Sault was a real adventure. But Dorothy made a home wherever she went. She found new activities, made new friends, volunteered, fit right in and became part of the community. The birth of a baby girl in Newfoundland and a baby boy in Wawa were her most treasured blessings. No mother ever loved her children more.
Whatever accomplishments Peter had were also Dorothy’s. Her unfailing support and unconditional love were always there. From the beginning, she was Peter’s greatest asset, and she remained so, right to the end.
Dorothy was the heart of the family. She loved times at the Batchawana cottage, on family vacations, at the ski hill and during holiday celebrations: first with the children, then with their spouses and then with her grandchildren, “The seven wonders of the world”. Her greatest joy was having all the family together. There was always plenty of food, good fun and lots of kisses and hugs to go around. She was so proud of her family. She found a way to make each one feel special.
Dorothy and Peter were married for just short of 70 wonderful years, although the death of their son in 2009 left an open wound that never healed. But their journey of love actually began in 1950 when a Queen’s University Engineering student met a Queen’s Arts student on a train going to Montreal for a football weekend.
To My Dear Dorothy
It was just by chance that I cast a glance
On a train going to Montreal,
It was just one look, that was all it took,
You were perfect as I recall.
I remember yet, that was how we met,
And that wonderful memory
Was the start of life with my lovely wife,
Who will always be dear to me.
Peter
Family and friends will gather for a traditional service of remembrance, at 11:00 am on Saturday, July 15, 2023 at St. Andrew’s United Church (712 Wellington St. East). Rev. Eun-Joo Park officiating; reception to follow.
Our thanks to the angels at ARCH for the wonderful care given to Dorothy. Memorial donations (payable by cheque or online) to St. Andrew’s United Church, ARCH or a charity of your choice will be appreciated.
Arrangements entrusted to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East, 705-759-2522). Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Nixon family.