Dorothy Nelson

Mom was born July 26, 1923 to Frieda Ida (Fischer) Blair, May 10, 1893 to June 8, 1955 and Robinson Blair, March 11, 1990 to May 12, 1981, in the town of Sprucedale, McMurrich Township, Perry Sound District, Ontario. She was the seventh of nine children.

She is survived by her much loved and loving daughter Patricia Susanne (Nelson) Matwey and former sister-in-law Lauretta (Weiler) Blair Punshon another centenarian at 101 years, 8 months, as well as many nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband Jack Clifford Nelson, July 4, 1920 to May 2, 1957, her greatly loved son-in-law James (Jim) Kenneth Matwey, April 7, 1938 to August 11, 1990 and long-time companion Ralph Spanner Jr. All of her siblings and in-laws from both sides of the family with the one exception, have predeceased her:

Herman Alfred Blair April 28, 1911 to April 10, 1933

Eugenie (Jean) Norma Blair September 21, 1912 to October 28, 1918

Blanche Ethel Blair August 21, 1914 to February 18, 1984 - Everett (Eddy) Angus Smith 1915 to 1976

Samuel Henry Blair February 26, 1917 to April 18, 1983

Esther Ida Blair September 4, 1918 to May 24, 2013 - Jack (Steve) W Stephenson January 2, 1914 to May 4, 1996

Frieda Irene Blair April 1, 1920 to June 1, 2008 - Lester H Cudmore February 19, 1915 to March 3, 1945, Glenn R Cudmore February 1, 1910 to August 17, 1995

Jack Robinson Blair June 21, 1925 to January 2, 2015 - Norma (Sexton) Blair March 26, 1929 to July 21, 2013

Helen Clara Blair McGinness September 24, 1928 to December 10, 2001

Irene Frances (Nelson) Willis July 7, 1918 to September 16, 2011 - George H Willis 1912 to 1993

Leonard R Nelson 1922 to July 26, 2003 - Elva M Mulligan 1921 to October 8, 2019

Gordon S Nelson May 28, 1925 to September 16, 1982 - Ethel M Mulligan June 3, 1923 to April 2, 2007

Bada B J (Nelson) Black Graham January 1931 to September 11, 2004 - William (Bill) Black, Vernon Graham

Nieces and nephews, Janette (Smith) Meyer, Wesley Willis, Dr Diana Willis, Paul Black and Christopher Blair.

Mom first came to Toronto about 1940 and because she was only 17 at the time, her mother insisted she live with her older sister Esther who was a newlywed; Mom always thought that it was rather unfair for Aunt Esther but everyone just accepted that was the way it was to be.

Along with other family members, Mom found work at an electronic and optical instruments company called Research Enterprises during the war years.

In 1944 her brother Sam sustained a war related injury which was severe enough to be sent home. He was admitted to Christie Street Hospital which housed many of the returning war wounded; the hospital no longer exists. But while vising Sam, it was mentioned that Jack Nelson from “up home” could use a visitor and so that’s where my parents met and actually married the following spring in the hospital chapel.

Dad still had a lot of operations and recovery to undergo and I don’t know if Mom continued to work at Research or elsewhere for the many months this took. In time, Dad was discharged and although he had difficulty walking, he became a postman and Mom became a housewife and mother. After I arrived in 1949, Mom and Dad didn’t have it easy but had a home of their own, Dad had a steady job and they were happy. Unfortunately, Dad’s health started to decline until his passing in 1957.

In 1956, due to mounting medical bills (no OHIP and little private insurance in that time) Mom sought work at TD Bank where she continued for the next 33 years, 30 full time and 3 part time until retirement.

She always enjoyed baseball and hockey eventually becoming an avid Blue Jays, Maple Leafs and Marlies fan. Her sports enthusiasm in later years went on to include the Raptors.

Mom didn’t make any huge impact on the world but what she did do, was raise a daughter largely on her own instilling a strong work ethic and sense of responsibility while providing a roof over our heads, food on the table and clothes on our backs. Well done! Mom, even if as a teenager I didn’t always appreciate your strictness. You can rest now.

I want to express my sincere thanks to the following for the care and devotion provided Mom for over four years:

Home Instead Seniors Care - Toronto East specifically “the ladies” Enid Forbes, Marie-Eugenie Wylie, Dale Vokey (who started it all) and Nadia

Neighbourhood Group - Marta

Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care - Dr Evan Schneider, Nurse Simcha and all of their colleagues

All of these people have eased my burden, so to speak and relieved my mind knowing Mom was in good hands.

And finally - my In-laws - Marilyn and Ron Matwey for their help, care and love.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care www.ticpc.org, Glaucoma Research Society of Canada www.glaucomaresearch.ca or any charity of your choice

A visitation for Frances will be held Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Jerrett Funeral Homes, 660 Kennedy Road, Toronto, ON M1K2B5. A funeral service will occur Thursday, September 12, 2024 from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM, 660 Kennedy Road, Toronto, ON M1K2B5. A burial will occur at Pine Hills Cemetery and Funeral Centre, 625 Birchmount Rd, Toronto, ON M1K 1R1.