Cook, Dorothy Jean (Stegman)
May 1, 1924 – July 5, 2016. Passed away peacefully in her 93rd year attended for the last week by her family who loved her and her caregivers at her home at Mill Creek Care Centre, Barrie.
Predeceased by her adored husband of almost 69 years Frank. Beloved mom of Lindsey Cook ( Barry Growe), Jocelyn Cook ( Robert Galuppi) and Ian Cook (Carol Phillips). Loving grandma to Jordan, Curtis and Adrian; step-grandmother to Amanda and step-great-grandmother to Tom.
Born and raised in Toronto, Dorothy attended Parkdale Collegiate Institute where, during the war, she met a handsome RCAF officer with “a nice physique”, and it wasn’t long before they fell in love. A war-time, long distance courtship culminated in marriage in 1945. Dorothy supported Frank during his years studying at U of T by working at Canada Life. After Lindsey’s arrival in ’49 she settled into her main vocation as mom and homemaker.
Dorothy and Frank lived in London Ont from 1952 until 1998. During that time Dorothy raised her children and became indispensable in her community, neighbourhood and church. She always had a shoulder on which to cry and a cup of tea over which to laugh. Her children never got enough of her legendary pies, as they always seemed to be going off to the church or to someone in need. Her involvement in Rowntree United and then Riverside United Church was central to her life and faith. She also contributed to her community by her involvement in the IODE and the UCW.
Dorothy and Frank enjoyed 12 years of retirement In London before moving to Barrie Ont in 1998. There she jumped right in to a new life, becoming immersed in Northwest Barrie United Church, befriending her neighbours, and caring for her grandchildren.
Dorothy’s long, rich life was defined by kindness and generosity to friends and strangers alike; and service to her church and community. But most of all it was defined by a love which of course included her cherished husband, children and grandchildren, but more remarkably extended beyond that to many many people whose paths were fortunate enough to cross hers.
Dorothy’s family wishes to thank Dr Anderson at Mill Creek Care Centre for her care over the last several years. They would also like to express gratitude to her friends who brightened her days with visits and cards and phone calls. Above all they wish to thank the wonderful caregivers, past and present, on the 3W floor of Mill Creek Care Centre for the outstanding care and love they showed Dorothy. They made her final years comfortable, happy and engaging. Many became like family for her.
Dorothy’s wishes were for cremation and interment in a private ceremony in her family’s plot in Mt Pleasant Cemetery in Toronto, right next to Frank. A celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honour Dorothy’s memory may wish to consider a donation to Northwest Barrie United Church, or the Couchiching Conservancy
Lynn Janes
Posted on: Tuesday, September 27, 2022My deepest condolences in the loss of your beloved mother Dorothy. She was truly a remarkable person and I remember her with great fondness. I believe my mother was best friends with her during their teenage years. I hope that all the family are doing well, especially Ian, who was closest to my age and who I recall having some fun times with.