Obituary of Mrs. Dorothy Irene Gregg

Dorothy Irene Gregg

October 21, 1928 – July 14, 2019

Of Toronto passed away peacefully at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, Palliative Care Unit at the young age of 90.

Loving wife for over 70 years and predeceased six weeks to the day by Stanley Russell Gregg (Toronto).  Dedicated daughter of Ethel Irene Chantler (nee Poyner (Dundas) and William Emanuel Chantler (London). Beloved mother to Brenda (James Murray) (Barrie), and Steven (Peggy) (Niagara-on-the-Lake). Proud grandmother of Matthew (Ottawa), Tyler (Calgary), Steven Jr. (St. Catharines), and Jonathan (Toronto).  Dear sister to Ken (London). Predeceased by siblings William Jr., Gordon, and Jack. Fondly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

Dorothy excelled at many roles over her long and accomplished life. Her time with us was punctuated by a theme of volunteerism and service to others. As a teenager Dorothy was a summertime “Farmerette” in the Ontario Farm Service Force (c.1944) as part of Canada’s War Effort. It was during this time that Dorothy met Stan who had joined the same War Effort out of Toronto. She was employed as a Switchboard Operator (for those who even remember what that is!)   Dorothy served as an Altar Guild Church Volunteer in the Anglican Church in Scarborough. Dorothy’s skills at sewing, upholstery, knitting, needlepoint, clothing alterations, and draperies were extraordinary and renowned. She was a skilled Seamstress to many, designing and making wedding gown and wedding party dresses, custom clothing, boy scout scarves for the entire troupe, embroidered fine linens for the Church Altar, and constant alterations for family and friends alike.  In addition to minding her own children Dorothy provided child care to many other neighborhood children.  She was a volunteer at the Bridlewood Public School Library where she also initiated lifelong family friendships. Mom was a self-declared Ford Falcon Taxi Driver for her children.  Dorothy’s seamstress skills enabled her to be an exemplary Sales Associate at Fabric & Drapery Mill Outlet for over 15 years culminating in a management role.  She was also a self-taught Pool Attendant in the summers, always keeping the pool ready for family and neighbourhood use. Perhaps her most rewarding contribution however was as a consummate Homemaker, Mother and Grandmother in the traditional family sense. Her constant dedication to family is unparalleled and cherished by all those she touched. Mom left no doubt in your mind that she had your back. There would always, always be a loving home to come back to no matter where you strayed.  Mom enjoyed entertaining by orchestrating large family gatherings on a regular basis. Holiday meals were her specialty and she remained keeper of the famous Gregg Family Christmas Pudding, the sauce for which could seemingly never be made in sufficent quantity to meet demand! Dorothy loved visiting with family and friends and enjoyed live theater at Stratford, Port Hope, Penetanguishene and Niagara-on-the Lake.

Dorth, Dot, Dimps, Nana, Mom…   you will forever be remembered and sadly missed by all.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 27^th at 3 p.m. at the Ogden Funeral Home 4164 Sheppard Ave E., (at Midland) with Visitation an hour prior.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the Immune Therapy Program Fund, Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, 610 University Avenue, Toronto, ON  M5G 2M9, Tel: (416) 946-6560, Web: www.thepmcf.ca