"Dodie" Doris Anneta Menzies

Dodie left us in her 103rd year, of old age like the Queen. She had fought through Covid but it had left her too tired to carry on. She leaves behind her daughter, Tui (Susan) Menzies (Des Penalagan) and son, Ian Menzies (Paula), cherished grandchildren Rhys and Arlen Penalagan, Megan Menzies (Joe), Cameron Menzies, and great-granddaughter Grey O’Gorman. Predeceased by her husband, Alan C. Menzies, and her parents, William H. Cavers and Amelia (Bone) Cavers.

Dodie had deep roots in Ontario, particularly in the Ottawa Valley where her ancestors had settled after leaving Scotland in the 1820s. They founded towns like Almonte, farmed in and around Carleton Place. A grandfather was the first editor of the Pembroke newspaper; a great uncle was one of the founders of McMaster University where Dodie studied and got her degree in Fine Arts. Another great uncle started Nielson’s Dairy. Her Irish great grandfather was one of the engineers of the Welland Canal. Her father was a chief dispatcher for the Canadian Pacific Railway, so she travelled all over Ontario with her family, leaving her with a deep love for its landscape. Ottawa was her hometown and she retained a great fondness for it. During WWII, Dodie worked for the Censorship Department of the government, first for the army and then the navy.

Dodie had been an avid reader her whole life until blindness took this from her. She was a bird watcher, tracking miles with her husband Alan, around the Kawartha Lakes. Art to Dodie was the Group of Seven, Lawren Harris in particular, or indigenous artists like Norman Knott and Bill Reid. She was also a lover of animals, everything from dogs and cats to wildlife. Dodie served on the Ladies' Auxiliary of the YMCA, as well as being a regular in the gym of the old Y.

There aren’t sufficient words to express the family’s appreciation for the staff of the 3rd floor of Fairhaven. They not only kept her safe and well cared for, they appreciated her personality and dry sense of humour.

At Dodie’s request, there will be no funeral or memorial service. If someone feels moved to do so, a donation to Fairhaven LTC or the Lakefield Animal Welfare Society would be appreciated. Online condolences may be made at www.comstockkaye.com