Dorothy was born on September 4, 1921 in Ottawa, Ontario to John Paul and Emalita Lepine. She died peacefully on March 8, 2020 in her room at the Revera Retirement Home in Stittsville. Dorothy was the first and only drum majorette for the Ottawa Football Club. In Joel Haslam’s television interview with her, she became known as the “First Lady of Football”. She met her future husband Alex on the football field. After marrying, they lived in an apartment on Bank Street before moving to the west end of Ottawa in 1962. There they raised two sons, John and William (Bill). After Alex’ death in 1970, she went back to work for the Canada Revenue Agency. After retirement, she spent many years volunteering at the Queensway Carleton Hospital and was a member of the sewing club at the hospital, sewing baby blankets and other items required in the hospital. In her spare time she smocked dresses, nighties and pyjamas, knit many sweaters and crocheted afghans. She was a wonderful cook and baker and her apple pie was a winner to all who tasted it. She loved music, and was often seen humming and tapping her feet. She loved dancing and entertaining in her home. Her door was always open for friends and relatives and she was happiest in the kitchen preparing refreshments. She made friends easily, and had many who were lifelong and will sorely miss her. She loved to travel and spent many vacations in the Bahamas with her beloved cousin Phyllis. She travelled regularly with her good friend Gwyneth to Wales and will be forever lovingly remembered by Elaine and Cyril and their family. She is survived by sons John (Cathy), and Bill, and niece Carol Donohue. Predeceased by her husband Alex, parents and sibling Francis, she was blessed with three grandchildren James (Meaghan), Kelly, and Colleen (Troy Dobson), as well as three great-grandchildren Riley, Colton and Amelia.
Special thanks to all of the staff at Revera Stittsville who provided loving, compassionate care, and to Dr. Kobaisy.
A celebration of Dorothy’s life will be held at a later date, interment care of Beechwood cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heart and Stroke Foundation.