DORLEEN LORENA TOFFAN

Dorleen “Dot” Toffan, 86, passed away on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont.
Dorleen’s parents, Jane (Broughton) and Duncan Hughes, left England in 1919 as newlyweds aboard the Orduna to begin a new life in Canada.
Dorleen, one of eight children, was born on Aug. 31, 1928 in Barwick, Ont.
In her early years, Dorleen worked for the Town of Fort Frances. On June 14, 1952, she married Allan Toffan.
After raising her family, she returned to work with Bell Canada and enjoyed many years working alongside her fellow “telephone operators.” When Bell automated services, she began a new career as a receptionist at the Fort Frances Clinic until her retirement.
Despite being a busy mom, Dorleen took the time to enjoy the sport of curling. She skipped her own team for many years and loved the strategy of the game. When asked the outcome of any given game, one had to be prepared to listen to a play-by-play account of the final eight ends!
She treasured the friendships she made during these years.
After Allan’s death in 1992, Dorleen took up the game of golf. This newfound passion provided her with another opportunity to develop both skills and friendships.
Although she had not been on the course for the last few years due to poor health, she refused to part with her golf cart.
Dorleen and Allan ran a “tight ship” as they raised their five children. She was a wonderful cook, creating tasty meals with a few basic ingredients. Their home was a place of welcome for family and friends.
Dorleen is survived by her children, Teresa Dennis, Cindy (Hugh) McKinnon, Jane (Ray) Turnbull, Bill Toffan (Shannon Cunningham), and Jackie (Scott) Chudley.
She also is mourned by nine grandchildren, Christopher (Lindsay) Dennis, Tyson (Robyn) Dennis, Andrea McKinnon, Karli McKinnon, Reginald Turnbull, Allan Turnbull, Brittany Toffan, Brett Toffan, and Carter Chudley.
She was delighted by the arrival of her two great-grandchildren, Blase and Jasper Dennis.
One sister, Carol (Chris) Thorp, also survives, along with sisters-in-law, Lolly Brunetta, Gladys Hughes and Nora Hughes, as well as many special nieces and nephews.
Dorleen was predeceased by her parents, Jane and Duncan Hughes; mother- and father-in-law, Mildred and William Toffan; husband, Allan; siblings, Agnes (Erv, Steve, and Donald), Walter, Doug (June), Louise (Willis), Duncan, and George; and brothers-in-law, Ernie (Madeline and Evelyn) Toffan and Ernie Brunetta.
A funeral mass was held Friday, Nov. 28, 2014 at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church in Fort Frances, with Fr. Victor De Gagné officiating.
The pallbearers were her grandchildren, Christopher, Tyson, Andrea, Karli, Reginald, Allan, and Brittany.
In memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, 920 Tungsten St., Thunder Bay, Ont., P7B 5Z6 or to the Nathan DeGagne Trust Fund c/o TD Canada Trust in Fort Frances.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
She’ll stay with you
As long as the wind blows
She’ll always be in your heart
She didn’t leave you all alone
She has eternal life
Her spirit is always within you
And if the sun shines in the sky
And rain should fill the air
And a rainbow lights up your day
Know that she is there.
Karli (1998)