Dorothy Patricia (Hatchette) West

We, the nieces and nephews of our dear aunt Dorothy Patricia West, announce her peaceful passing in the QE II Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, on October 29, 2024, at 99 years of age. Dorothy was born in Halifax on March 25, 1925, the daughter of Richard Francis “Frank” and Ann Elizabeth “Annie” (Silver) Hatchette, Halifax, NS. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Dorothy attended Saint Joseph’s Girls’ Grammar School, Halifax, and graduated from Saint Patrick’s High School in 1942. She then enrolled in a secretarial course, graduating in 1943. Dorothy spent seven years with the Halifax office of Standard Brands Canada Ltd., a J. P. Morgan company. In 1950, she commenced work as secretary to the Manager of General Motors Acceptance Corporation (GMAC), Halifax.

On May 14, 1955, Dorothy married Joseph J. Reardon, Jersey City, New Jersey. They moved to Birmingham, Michigan, where Joe worked with Ford Motor Company. Sadly, Joe passed away in 1966 at 45 years of age. Dorothy remained in Birmingham for two years, taking a position with Ford Tractor Ltd. In 1968, she returned to Halifax, where she was employed at Mount Saint Vincent University as secretary for three of the institution’s Presidents.

Dorothy was a very kind, loving soul who enjoyed being able to live at home, with some assistance, throughout her final years. At times to the consternation of her nieces and nephews, she drove her own car all over Halifax and Dartmouth until the age of 96. She loved to read and play cards, and was an avid Bridge player.

As an American resident for many years, Dorothy became a huge fan of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Kansas City Chiefs. Well into her 90s, she was known to stay up into the wee hours of the morning, watching her teams on television. Dorothy was blessed with a very sharp wit and a keen sense of humour. She loved her friends and family, and was equally generous to all. She supported many local and national charities over the years.

Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, three sisters—Mary Frances, Gwendolyn Rita “Gwen,” and Clare Veronica (Sister Agnes Paula, Sisters of Charity)—and three brothers—Gerald Francis, Francis Ignatius“Frank” and Donald John. She is survived by sixteen nieces and nephews, and many grand- and great-grand-nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank Dr. Ernest Basil Johnson for his faithful service to Dorothy throughout the years.

Visitation will take place in J. A. Snow Funeral Home, 339 Lacewood Drive, Halifax, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm Monday, November 4. A funeral Mass will be held in Saint Benedict Parish Church, 45 Radcliffe Drive, Halifax, at 12:15 pm Tuesday, November 5, reception to follow. Interment in Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Lower Sackville.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Chalice, a Nova Scotia-based Catholic international charity focused on child, family and community development, The Multiple Sclerosis Society of Canada, Hope Cottage, Halifax, or the charity of your choice.