Dorothea Elliott nee Orpwood, Formerly Butler Pettifer

Peacefully at home, surrounded by her family, on December 27, 2011, our darling Mother and Nan went home, two days before her 90th birthday. Daughter of Ernest and Mary Orpwood, she was born in Toronto’s West End. Predeceased by her parents; sister, Frances Davis; brother Kenneth Orpwood; sister-in-law Dorothy Hayes Orpwood; uncle, Rev. James A. Newman and husbands William K. Butler (1968) and Harold J. Pettifer (2010). Doree is remembered with love by daughters Judith and Cathy, grandchildren Shawn Dale (Cindy) and Gillian Taylor (Andrew), great-grandchildren Cayden, Jasmine, Alyssa and Rylee, nieces Dale Keel (Bill), Dawn Calleja (Frank) and Kathryn Calleja (Joe) as well extended family and dear friends.

She was a remarkable woman, strong in spirit, heart and faith. A leading WREN with the Royal Canadian Navy during WW2, she served her country with dedication and honour. Over the decades, she filled her home with music, laughter, good food and love; a loving mother, grandmother, wife and good friend to many, always having time to listen, comfort and hug. A ham-radio operator, VE3 EUV (Doree) was active on-air from the fifties to the eighties and helped establish the radio group, VE3SBH, at Sunnybrook Hospital’s Veterans’ Unit while she worked at Sunnybrook.

Thanks to the Curve Lake Fire Department, Lakefield ambulance and the Anishnaabek for all their efforts. Many thanks to the VON, Red Cross and particularly Veteran Affairs Canada for all that was done to make Mum’s last days more comfortable. To all our dear friends and family who have responded so overwhelmingly with support and loving tributes, a heart-felt thank you and chi miigwetch.

After cremation, there will be an open-house to celebrate Doree’s life. In lieu of flowers, plant a tree, sing a song, laugh with a child or hug a loved one. That is what she would have done. Arrangements entrusted to COMSTOCK FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION CENTRE. Online condolences may be made at www.comstockfuneralhome.com.