Dorothy Violet Hancock

Mom began her life in England and sadly, she faced many obstacles in her childhood, that did not make it an easy start, and she began her adult life at a tender age. Even then, she showed her resilience and independent nature and worked at jobs such as at a wallpaper store, and collecting fares on a double-decker bus, to support herself. She married and had a son and a daughter, which she considered her most meaningful accomplishment in life.

Circumstances brought the family to Canada, while her children were still very young. There was hope for a new start and better future. Mom provided Nanny services to a few families as she raised her own children. Then, she began her true calling in the work force, sewing for a living until her retirement. She was very talented in her workmanship in this field, had a strong work ethic and was a valued employee wherever she worked, known for her accuracy and quality workmanship.

Mom also enjoyed sewing as a hobby, even as young girl and was very talented. She could embroider and sew anything she put her mind to, from shirts, to stuffed animals that rivaled any you could buy. She upholstered furniture, recovered cushions for the camper and sewed curtains. Anyone needing some mending or pants hemming knew where to go. She also crocheted and enjoyed crafts of this nature, until sadly her declining eyesight and use of fingers made it impossible to enjoy anymore. She enjoyed reading, especially "True Story" books.

During her years as a newly divorced woman in midlife, she again showed her resiliency in forging a new path, and embarked on taking up all sorts of dancing, often having five nights a week to attend, while still working. She never sat a dance out and learned all the steps and engaged in square dancing and formal pattern dancing as well. She met some of her closest friends at this time in her life. She always said she was going to dance one day with her Grandson at his wedding, when he grew up. We were blessed to have her live a long life and watch that dream come true.

Mom's greatest hobby was attending garage sales and later perusing for treasures at thrift stores. She knew about every sidewalk sale and church sale. She had an amazing talent for spotting a bargain and was such a giving person that rarely did she buy things for herself. She was always looking for things for her children and grandchildren and eventually great-grandchildren. We all benefited from her finds, that were sometimes transported home on her bike or mobility scooter, as she did not drive. We wanted for nothing, even though Mom did not have a lot, she gave so generously to each one of her family members. She was happiest when she could find something she thought someone needed and give it to them.

Mom was also generous with her time, and when her grandchildren were young, they went to Grandma's for many sleepovers even after she had a long day at work. She cooked many family dinners or sent home a frozen meat pie, so someone else would have a break from cooking. She was always willing to sew any creation that someone envisioned a need for. She gave from her heart and never expected anything back.

She was a wonderful Grandmother and was so proud of her grandchildren and their accomplishments. She loved becoming a great-grandmother and adored her two great- grandsons. She had a designated cupboard space for the toys she acquired on her thrifting trips and when the great-grandchildren came to visit, they were not disappointed.

Mom's greatest love was her family, and she was a devoted Mother, Grandmother and Great- Grandmother. She was kind, and always put her family first before herself, and made many sacrifices in her life in order to do this. It was a testament to her character how she choose to take a difficult start as a child, along with challenges that she faced when she divorced late in life, and yet always stayed humble and kind and forgiving. She continued to focus her life on the good she could do for her family and others. Simple things made her happy. She enjoyed a nice morning outing. She took Access Transit or rode her mobility scooter, which afforded her the independence she enjoyed over her day. She enjoyed a good hot cup of coffee and loved a family celebration. We were fortunate to enjoy one of those together in honor of her 90th Birthday.

Mom's health was poor over the past year and sadly, it became something that even her strong determination could not overcome. Even, in her last few months, her focus was still on her family and not on herself, where it always remained.

Each of us will miss the unique ways we all shared a relationship with her. We will miss her always and remember how proud we were of who she was as a person, knowing she is resting in peace.

Dorothy is survived by her son Dennis Hancock; daughter Janet Broughton (Lorne); grandsons Trevor Broughton (Tracy) and Curtis Broughton; along with great-grandson's Lance Broughton and Henry Broughton; along with extended family in England.

A Remembrance will be planned for May, and details will be announced at a later date.