Dorothy Jean Crabtree

Dorothy Crabtree, 96, died August 10, 2011 at Linhaven, her home for the last four years. Born in St. Catharines to Clara and Harry Collins, Dorothy met Floyd Crabtree, the love of her life, while they were at the St. Catharines Collegiate. They had three children: Linda Crabtree (G. Ronald Book), the late Ronald Floyd Crabtree (2009) and Kathie (Paul) Gosen. Floyd predeceased her in 1972.

The couple lived in St. Catharines all their lives and Dorothy was an antiques dealer for more than 40 years having a shop on Ontario Street and later at Prudhommes Antiques Market. She was always repairing or refinishing something she’d rescued and she could see the good in everything and everyone. Well respected in the antiques field, Dorothy specialized in Canadiana and primitives. Her proudest accomplishment was in 1970 when she spearheaded a community campaign that saved the Lakeside Park Carousel at Port Dalhousie from being sold out of the country. She delighted in hearing of the children whose lives continued to be brightened by magical rides on the merry-go-round she loved so much. Also a talented artist and gardener, she was a warm, loving, generous woman who lived by The Golden Rule. As well as her daughters, she is survived by five granddaughters, two great-granddaughters and two great-grandsons. She was predeceased by her niece, Joan Rose and her sister, Madeleine (John) Rose. Thanks go to the kind people at Linhaven who looked after Dorothy so well. Cremation has taken place. An open house to celebrate Dorothy's life will be held on Friday, August 19, 2011 from 2 - 4 p.m. at the home of Kathy Gosen, 87 1/2 Queen St. St. Catharines. (Street and neighbourhood parking). On-line tributes may be made at www.hulseandenglish.com.