Dorothy West

WEST, Dorothy - After 104 years of blessing us with her love, kindness, generosity, and gentle spirit, we are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Dorothy West, peacefully on Wednesday, August 19, 2026.

Dorothy was devoted to her husband and life-long love, Edwin West. They enjoyed 71 years of love and family, doting on their grandchildren, and following their routine of late afternoon cocktails, and weekend dinners out (mostly at their favourite restaurant, Giovanni’s). They were an exemplary model of what it means to selflessly love each other and truly care for one another.

Dorothy is survived by her two children Craig West (Beth) and Karen Madigan. She leaves behind the grandchildren she spent her life devoted to: Keely Madigan (Matt); Cameron Madigan; Connor Madigan; and Amelia West. Dorothy was predeceased by her parents Elizabeth and Arthur Milner, her siblings Elsie Ibbitson, Harold Milner, Florence Laidlaw, Ethel Milner, and Beatrice Smith, and her sisters-in-law, Gladys Benson and Doris McLean. She will be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews.

Dorothy enjoyed a long, well lived life and was deeply loved and adored by all who knew her. She worked as a teacher in a one room school house in Sylvan Valley, and fought for special permission to continue teaching after she was married, which was against the social norms of the time. When she was out for dinner, she would often be approached by past students who would let her know about the positive impact she had in their lives. Living over a century, Dorothy shared memorable stories about life during the Great Depression, and about attending the first ever motion picture in Sault Ste Marie with her sister, Bea. She even took a summer job at a factory in Toronto that made bombs during the second World War.

Dorothy was the embodiment of light, decency, kindness, and love to everyone who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her presence will live in the memories and stories she shared with all of us.

A special thank you goes to the staff at the F. J. Davey Home, specifically nurses Julie and Tracy, and her special friends Sonja and Gloria, who helped make Dorothy’s final days a little brighter.

Friends and family are invited to visit at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington Street East 705-759-2522) on Monday, August 24, 2026 from 11 am to 12:30 pm, followed by a funeral service at 1 pm. Memorial contributions (payable by cheque or online) may be made to Harvest Algoma. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the West family.