Dorothy Agnes McWilliam Killam

Age 102 of Halifax. Dorothy passed away on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. Born in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario, on March 21, 1920, she was the daughter of the late John Alec (Mac) and Estelle (Renaud) McWilliam. She and her family moved to Nova Scotia when she was 8 years old and she remembered clearly her first impression was "I felt I had come home." She was a graduate of Dalhousie University and she remained engaged and energetic her entire adult life as a member of the N.S. Poetry Society, editor-in-chief of the Seniors' Newsletter, as well as a committed Hospice worker well into her 80's. A life-long voracious reader, Dorothy revelled in spirited debate on virtually any subject and even in casual conversation endeavoured to find precisely the correct word(s) to express her opinions. Remarkably stoic, she maintained her sense of humour throughout the changes and challenges of aging.

Dorothy is survived by daughters Jan Moir, Heather McNutt and son, Stephen, all of Halifax; grandsons -Luke (Corinne) of Naples, Florida; Jamie Killam, Halifax; granddaughter Amanda McNutt Childs (Mike) of Cambridge, England; great-granddaughter Paige Timmins and great-grandson Wyatt Timmins of Almont, Ontario. She was predeceased by her husband, James G. (Bucky) Killam, and granddaughter Margaret Moir Timmins.

She is deeply missed by family, friends and Northwood friends, neighbours, and caregivers. Cremation has taken place. A private family interment will take place at a later date.

Dorothy had a deep love for the sea (and painting it), and for her Lord Jesus. The day before she died we read the words of a hymn to her (not knowing the melody), and she followed along to the letter. Afterward she said "That's my favourite hymn." It begins "The ships glide in at the harbour's mouth, And the ships sail out to sea;" and ends with "For O in this world of our Father, God, There is beauty everywhere!"

Later, in a letter she requested opened only after her passing, she urged her family and friends to figuratively "Pick more daisies!" Typical! Thank you, Mom.