Dorothy Dolly May Desjarlais

Many things can be said about Dorothy May Desjarlais. Known to friends and acquaintances as a friendly, energetic, empathic and decisive woman, her compassionate nature would always shine through, revealing her charm, warmth and conscientious demeanor. She was warmhearted, gentle and organized in all the things she sought to accomplish. Dolly was a mentor, a natural “teacher” capable of seeing things clearly, leading others and bringing out the best in all of those around her. She generally had a focus on harmony and peace.

Dolly was born on May 25, 1920 at Hotel Dieu Grace Hospital in Windsor, Ontario. Her parents were Kathleen and James Jarvis. Dolly was raised in Windsor, Ontario. When she was young, Dolly's friends and family found that “straightforward” and “honest” were perfect words to describe her. Even as a child, Dolly demonstrated strong qualities of self-confidence, perceptive ability and a disposition that was enjoyable to those around her.

Dolly grew up with two siblings. She had one sister, Kathleen and one brother, William. Dolly was constantly involved in all sorts of activities with her family. She was even-tempered, taking care not to get involved in too many family conflicts. This quality served her well, in perpetually bringing harmony, understanding and a sense of peace to the family. Dolly carried these traits into her adult life and served as one of many reasons why family and friends found her pleasurable and delightful to be around. Dolly was a person who genuinely understood and cared for others, making powerful connections with those she knew.

As a young girl, Dolly was imaginative, ingenious, clever and a “novel” thinker. Regardless of whether her peers were older or younger, or came from different backgrounds, Dolly could easily relate to other kids. She was an active child who took part in hockey, baseball and swimming. In her spare time she liked to read. Dolly's memorable achievements included St. John's Ambulance CPR. However, to Dolly, the most fun to be had was simply playing and spending time with her many friends.

During her high school years, Dolly had a natural flair for cheering on and applauding just about everyone. She was constantly offering her support and encouragement to fellow members of the groups and activities in which she participated. She did well in school and genuinely enjoyed telling stories in a way that drew people to her. In this way, Dolly had a talent for becoming the center of attention; a kind of social catalyst. Dolly was often found to be the lead person facilitating a group activity, frequently filling the role of being “the life of the party.” Teachers and classmates knew Dolly as an excellent listener. She placed a high value on learning and always understood that there was a new lesson to be grasped waiting for her just around the corner.

Always considered a good friend, Dolly sought to understand the things that others enjoyed. For this reason Dolly always seemed to possess a never-ending collection of acquaintances. Dolly’s friends found her easy to know and get along with because of her talent for being socially at ease, adept at conversation, and always amiable in her dealings with others. Dolly would always seek to learn what her friends enjoyed, and she would go out of her way to make sure that their needs were met. Dolly was always seen as the type of person who was the more gracious giver. In fact, she sometimes felt ill at ease when she was the one on the receiving end. Throughout her life she had many friends. Later in life, she became friends with Marie and Ted, Lucy and Bud, Sue and Less, and Corkie and Percy.

Compassionate and devoted, Dolly worked hard to make her new family happy. She was always generous with her time and this meant that Gordon came first in Dolly’s book. She was always caring and made certain that she considered Gordon’s feelings. By trusting her emotions, Dolly did her best to make sure that both the marriage and home life ran smoothly. This is just one more example of how Dolly was truly a person of empathy.

Dolly’s quality of being a caring and tolerant person who was very accepting of others translated to being a good mother to her children. Dolly shared these values with her children, Sheila, Gordy, William and Robert who passed away in 2004. Dolly was also blessed with seven grandchildren, Bill, Kathy, Angela, Kimmy, Kenny, Stacey and Chad. Dolly related well to children of all ages and was able to connect to them on their level. The children always loved her and she was completely and totally devoted to them.

Dolly experienced success in her work life over and over again. Her primary occupation was as a house wife. She was employed by Campers Cove for 14 years. Dolly always made the effort to understand what was needed at work, and was well known by her colleagues as a team player. Dolly took pride in managing her professional responsibilities and seemed to always know what was necessary to successfully complete a project. Dolly was one to take the initiative and her skills at working cooperatively were highly valued. Dolly continually sought to learn what her co-workers did well and how they were most effective, a talent that enabled her to help them develop their own potential.

Because she was organized and methodical, Dolly took great pleasure in her various hobbies. Her favorite pursuits were sewing, knitting, crocheting, and playing the piano. Dolly enjoyed sharing her passions with others and could singularly focus on one hobby at a time.

Dolly derived much satisfaction from sports. Because she was so instinctive and could always grasp the big picture, Dolly delighted in the strategy and inner workings of a competition. Recreational sports included baseball, speed walking, and bowling. Dolly was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed watching her favorite teams' events whenever she got the opportunity. Tops on her list were golf and hockey.

Dolly was well known to others for her ability to naturally and conscientiously move into action to help others, a quality that placed her as an active contributor to many community activities. Charismatic by nature, she was always viewed by others as someone who built bridges, connected to people, and upheld her personal values. She was very active on the Social Committee at Camper's Cove.

Dolly’s faith was important to her. She was a member of St. Theresa's for 47 years. She was compassionate and warm hearted, someone who truly cared for others and that was clearly demonstrated in her work with the congregation.

Dolly enjoyed traveling, and because she was so well organized, she would take on the responsibility of planning and scheduling all of the family vacations. Her gift for keeping things lively meant that vacations with Dolly were always enjoyable. Favorite vacations included Camper's Cove in Wheatley, Ontario.

Dolly was a lover of animals and cherished her pets. One of Dolly's favorite was Zig Zig, her cat. They were best friends for seven years. Her family was rounded out by her dogs and cats through the years.

When Dolly’s retirement finally came in 1995, she was well prepared. Being the focused and organized person that she was, Dolly had taken care to plan for this part of her life. When that time eventually arrived, Dolly knew exactly what she wanted to do. Her new life involved relocating to 1033 Westminster and Campers Cove. In retirement, she found new pleasure in staying active with the church, knitting and crocheting. Even in retirement, Dolly continued to stay in touch with her old friends and made plenty of new acquaintances. She was active in the community and felt fulfilled.

Dolly passed away on November 14, 2014 at Windsor Regional Hospital Metropolitan Campus in Windsor, Ontario. Dolly went downhill after a broken hip and eventually succumbed to pneumonia. She is survived by her children, Sheila, Gord, and Bill and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Services were held at Walter D. Kelly Life Celebration Centre. Dolly was laid to rest in Heavenly Rest Cemetery.

Throughout her life, Dolly was a gregarious and enthusiastic woman. She was generous in sharing her personal attributes, giving and helping those she knew and loved. She would often fill the role of coach, bringing out the best in everyone. She was imaginative, original, tender hearted and easy to get along with. Dolly leaves behind a legacy of life-long friendships and cherished memories. Everyone whose lives she touched will dearly remember Dorothy May Desjarlais.

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(Nee Jarvis), passed away with her loving family by her side on Friday, November 14, 2014 at 94 years of age,. Beloved wife of Gordon (1986) for over 46 years. Dear and loving Mother of Sheila Ellis (Kenneth, 2007), Gordy Paul (Gayle), Robert James (2004) and William Peter (Catherine). Cherished Nanny of Angela Ellis, Kathleen Zambito (Nick), Kimberley Dawn Micallef (John), Kenneth Ellis Jr. (Esther), Chad Desjarlais (Sherri), Stacey Boardman (Peter), William Robert Desjarlais (Melanie Kison). Great-Nanny to Amanda, Samantha, Crystal, Sarah, Jaedyn, Kristen, Riley, Makayla, Tyler, Paityn, and Hadleigh. Predeceased by her sister Kathleen Dupuis (Raymond "Flicker") and brother William Jarvis (Celeste). Dolly will also be sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins, and all those whose lives she has touched. Resting at the Walter D. Kelly Life Celebration Centre (1969 Wyandotte St. E. 519-252-5711) from 2-4 & 7-9 pm on Monday. Funeral Service will take place in the chapel on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at 10:00 am. Interment to follow at Heavenly Rest Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy donations to the Ontario Lung Association would be appreciated by the family.