DOROTHY ETHEL MORROW

On the wings of love and support from family and friends, Dorothy Morrow passed away peacefully on Sunday, Jan. 10, 2010 at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont. with family by her side.
On Dec. 1, 1921, Ethel and Morton Peto welcomed their first daughter, Dorothy Ethel, into their lives in Emerson, Man. She was a bundle of joy whose life would be fueled by strength, ambition, and immense heart, love, and desire.
Not letting the family tradition of being a milk farmer decide her future, Dorothy graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Manitoba in 1942. She then headed to Nitro, Que. to work at a munitions plant.
By the fall of 1945, after various jobs and cities, Dorothy decided she would like to teach. She returned to the University of Manitoba to begin her teacher training, which she funded solely on her own.
The fall of 1946 brought her away from the Prairies to the lovely lakes and trees of Fort Frances in order to teach at the local high school. Here, her life crossed paths with her future husband, Lloyd Morrow, and Barbara Murray (nee Wilson), who would become like a sister to Dorothy.
On July 3, 1948, Dorothy and Lloyd were married in Emerson.
Over the years, Dorothy and Lloyd were blessed with three children, Douglas, Diane, and Lorne. Family life was filled with great family meetings at meal time, herd gatherings in the back room, active involvement in curling and golf games, with wonderful days at the family cabin on Wasaw Lake.
After moving several times between Fort Frances, Dauphin, and Winnipeg, Dorothy eventually settled into a full-time position with Fort Frances High School in 1963, teaching home economics and eventually guidance and counselling.
Upon retiring from teaching in 1978, Dorothy was able to fully engage in all things she truly loved. Family and friends always have been of the utmost importance to her and she would never miss a moment to connect with friends at Dairy Queen or the Riverwalk Condominium, stop in at the Sister Kennedy Centre, or attend Sunday family dinners.
Though she rarely kept score, she loved to play golf but found equal enjoyment in watching the grandkids attempt to sink her putts and drive the golf cart. One is left to wonder if she loved the sport as much as the “sport” of socializing.
Through the winter months, Dorothy enjoyed curling and, as the years went on, still greatly loved watching it. From the comfort of her home, she had many a busy afternoon and night flipping between hockey, baseball, and golf on the television.
She was a true fan of sport in every way, and willing to support her children and grandchildren through all the years.
Another great love was volunteer work. Volunteering was very near and dear to her heart and she spent many days with the Hospital Auxiliary and the Bluebird Club.
Her gardens brought a smile from ear to ear for herself and others. She took as much silent pride in the hopeful seed that blossomed into the beautiful flower as she did watching her children, grandchildren, and friends grow.
Dorothy was a determined problem-solver and a seed of brilliance, with a quiet love and enduring strength which continued every day. She brought smiles to all who knew her and makes all around her truly privileged to have been graced with such remarkable spirit.
She carries on to meet again with her husband, Lloyd (1980); son, Douglas (1972); and sisters, Marion (2008) and Gladys (2009).
Those special people she leaves behind to carry on her legacy of strength, compassion, and grace are her brother, Lorne Peto; daughter, Diane (Wayne) Ross and their children, Jessica (Ryan Murphy) and Erik (Jennifer Wattie); son, Lorne (Linda) along with their children, Ian, Jennifer, and David; as well as her countless friends and all whose lives she graciously touched.
A celebration of her amazing life will be held Thursday, Jan. 14, 2010 at 1 p.m. at Knox United Church in Fort Frances. Rev. Barbara Miller will officiate, followed by interment in Riverview Cemetery in Fort Frances.
Friends may visit with the family on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 2010 from 7-8:30 p.m. at Green Funeral Home in Fort Frances.
The pallbearers will be Jim Newman, Erik Ross, Ian Morrow, David Morrow, Joel Ash, Ryan Murphy, and Jeff Wall.
If desired, in memoriam donations can be made to the Arthritis Society or Knox United Church c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
We have not lost our mother, grandmother, or friend; the sky has gained another sparkling star.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com