The family of Dorothy Neil is heartbroken to share her passing on the morning of November 14, 2022, two months shy of her 87th birthday. Dorothy passed at home in the care of her family.
Dorothy was born in and grew up in Glasgow, Scotland, the youngest child of Bob and Elsie Anderson. She met her husband William Neil while working as a secretary at James A. Neil and Sons, Glasgow, recently celebrating 63 years of marriage. They settled in Bishopbriggs, Scotland where they welcomed children Barry, Carolyn and David. The family also lived in Leicester, England and Edinburgh Scotland, prior to immigrating to Canada. After a short time in Toronto they moved to Fort William, Ontario where their youngest son, Steven, was born.
Dorothy was dedicated to her family and was an amazing wife and mother. She rarely spent time away from her children while they were growing up. Later, she did provide bookkeeping support to several businesses and took on the challenge of tree planting during a few summers. She spent several years working for London Wines, retiring as Manager of the County Fair store. Dorothy took many trips home to Great Britain to connect with family, several with her daughter. Dorothy was able to join her husband, Barry, Carolyn and their families on one final adventure through Scotland in 2017.
Dorothy also enjoyed connecting with people in a meaningful way and formed many lasting friendships where she had lots of laughs and fun times. She had a love of reading and ingrained this passion in her daughter. She also shared many books with her daughter-in-law. Dorothy remained physically fit throughout her life and walked her cocker spaniel Nicky during his time with her. She enjoyed sitting in the sunshine and taking a walk until she was no longer able. In earlier days everyone looked forward to Sunday dinners of roast lamb and roast potatoes, both of which nobody has been able to replicate. Along with family and friends, Dorothy loved animals. She also never met a baby she didn’t like and was drawn to each one regardless of time or place.
In later life Dorothy and William relocated to Winnipeg where she spent a few years happily helping to care for her granddaughter Teagan. Following many years in Winnipeg, one more move was made to Edmonton. Dorothy and William spent most summers and Christmases with their daughter in Thunder Bay until it became difficult to travel. They also embarked on a few trips to Texas to visit their son.
Dorothy is lovingly remembered by her husband William, children Barry (Faith), Edmonton AB, Carolyn (Bruce) Tait, Thunder Bay ON, David, Port Coquitlam BC, and Steven, Houston TX. Grandchildren Teagan, Jonathan and Connor. Also survived by extended family in the UK and South Africa. Dorothy was predeceased by her parents, sister Marjorie and brother-in-law David Graham, brother John Anderson, aunt Agnes Roberts, mother and father in-law Christina and James Neil all in the UK as well as brother-in-law Jim Neil, South Africa.
She faced a 10 year journey with Dementia/Alzheimer with grace and resilience and was able to remain at home for the duration of her life for which her family is grateful. We cannot express enough how much she is loved and will be missed forever. She was beautiful, kind, and strong. She was charitable, so if inclined please support an organization helping children or animals.
Condolences at www.arbormemorial.ca/glenwood
