Dorothy passed away at her home surrounded by her loving family on Sunday, April 30, 2023 at the age of 68.
Beloved wife of Robert (Bob) Foster for almost 43 years. Cherished mother of Shawn Foster, and Mark Foster and mother-in-law of Sam Brown. Adored grandmother of Logan, and Hazel. Loving daughter of Marguerite Garrett and the late Wilfred Garrett (2002). Dear sister and sister-in-law of the late Joan (2020) and Dave McClary, Dave and Jane Garrett, Ann and Mark Scott, and Richard and Pamela Foster. Fondly remembered by her many nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews. Predeceased by her parents-in-law Vera (Moore) and Trevor Foster.
Dorothy will forever be remembered for her love of people. She enjoyed people-watching and being around people. She dedicated her life to taking care of her family, her friends, and her patients during her almost 40 years of nursing and after she retired. She will be remembered for her smiling face, her bedside manner, and her ability to start a conversation with almost anyone she met. She was also a devoted and active member of the Siloam United Church congregation. She loved gardening and morning walks around the neighbourhood, and, in recent years, she enjoyed watching the Toronto Blue Jays on TV. She will be deeply missed by her family and her friends and anyone who knew her.
Special thanks to the caring and hard-working teams of London Regional Cancer Program and Palliative Care at London Health Science Centre.
In keeping with Dorothy’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Visitations will be held at Siloam United Church, 1240 Fanshawe Park Road East, London on Sunday, May 7th from 5 – 8 PM. and on Monday, May 8th from 9:30 – 10:30 AM. Wearing a mask would be appreciated.
Dorothy’s memorial service will be held on Monday, May 8th at 11 AM, at Siloam United Church, with Rev. Sheila Macgregor officiating. For those unable to attend, the family invites you to join with them from the comfort of your home. Stream the service live or at your convenience by visiting https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8eXq2AMlQc.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, the Canadian Cancer Society, or Siloam United Church in Dorothy’s memory.
We are always willing to go where called upon but this image shows a visual of the communities that our included in our initial transportation fee. We offer a 40km radius from any of our 5 locations (Arva (London), Exeter, Lucan, Seaforth, and Zurich). Any mileage beyond the included 40km will be charged a rate of $2.50/km (one way travel only).
Liz and Bill McHugh
Heartfelt condolences to Ann, Mark and family. You are in our thoughts and prayers at this very sad time.
Love,
Liz and Bill McHugh
Bill and Janyce Mardlin
Our sincere sympathy to Dorothy’s family for your loss.
Mary MacLeod
I was so sorry to hear of Dorothy’s passing from Warren and Ann Garrett. I worked as a RN in the ICU at University Hospital and from time to time in the CCU as well. I had the pleasure of working with Dorothy on a few occasions. She was an extremely gifted and compassionate nurse. Her light-heated sense of humour always put the anxious patients at ease. I was indeed fortunate to have met her.
JOAN DANBROOK
It is with great sadness that I write this message to each of you! Yesterday’s service for my beloved friend Dorothy was truly a beautiful tribute. We the Danbrook family will forever cherish each and everyone of the wonderful memories we’ve shared over the years. Some that come to mind our yearly day at sports world, the day your family came walking up the beach to see if you could find us at the cottage, the day I did a patient transfer to UH and surprised my friend Dorothy who was working NY’s day and we enjoyed lunch together, how she helped my family through my mom’s heart valve replacement and cared for her so gently and kindly even though not assigned to her care, how she and Bob helped me off on my first trip after Doug died, both so supportive, caring and KIND! All this was so evident yesterday celebrating her life so well lived. It truly has been an honour to have been on her circle of life and we will each miss her greatly!! We share in your great sorrow Foster/Garret family, she truly was a Earthly Angel! My Dear Dorothy RIP until we meet again
Love the Danbrook family Joan, Ainsley and Bryce
Linda Ruitenbeek
We were so sad to hear about the passing of your very special mom. She was a kind and caring person who made others feel good about themselves.
Her smile was contagious and her manner was uplifting.
Our thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
Pat Stapleton
Dear Bob, Shawn ,Mark and Family,
Please know we are keeping you all in our thoughts and prayers.
Dorothy was such a special lady.
I always had lovely chats with her when we met at work at UH , at Northridge school and in the neighbourhood over the many years. Her smile and kindness will always be in our memories.
She will be so ,so missed.
Pat and Mike Stapleton
John and Laura Stapleton
Gerald and Brenda Lenders
To the Garrett and Foster families,
We are so very sorry for each of you and extend our deep sympathy. My mother Jean Cook, also extends her sympathy to all, with loving thoughts and prayers for Marguerite.
Dorothy was just one of the loveliest people to have the honour and privilege of knowing. So lucky for me, that she reached out to me at the time of Mom’s stroke and 85th birthday. Just three years ago, at the beginning of covid and at a time of her own great loss of a much loved sister, Joan. That call led to others – catching up on each other’s lives, renovations, the wedding and the two grandchildren that we each now had – and laughter. Those calls gave me such joy.
My heart aches for each of you, at this time of such great personal loss. I want to share a verse I recently read:
“She is with you in heart, She is with you in mind, She is with you in memories……
You will still have her smile, and her dreams for your life,
And always, her love, forever.”
Asking God to hold you close, giving strength and comfort as only he can give, to carry you through.
With caring sympathy,
Gerald and Brenda Lenders and Jean Cook
Trudy Frank-MacEwen
To my dear friend Dorothy…”May the flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.”
There have been so many memories and much love shared since September 1976.
You were my best friend and you will be missed more than you will ever know.
My love to Bob, Shawn and Mark, to Brother Dave and Jane, Sister Ann and Mark, Brother-in-law Dave McLary and all of your families. I send a special condolence to Mrs Garrett. Your loss of two daughters is unimaginable.
With Love to all and may your memories bring you comfort and peace…
Until we meet again!
Trudy
Tom and Deb Hodgkinson
We met Dorothy on one of our morning walks with Jethro and his little brother Clyde. She was on her walk-walking with purpose, he hair bouncing every step she took. We couldn’t miss her. She was so friendly, smiling and always had time for a conversation. One of the nicest people we know. You are so missed. Our deepest sympathy to Bob and your Family. They have lost an absolute Treasure. Tom and Deb Hodgkinson
Jeff & Adele Greenaway
Dear Bob, Shawn, Mark and family,
We can indeed feel the sadness in your heart that Dorothy has died. But we believe that her life has changed not ended. She was indeed a child of God, she loved and appreciated all the gifts in her life – chief among them her family.
We met Dorothy and family in 2000, during a shared trip through outback Queensland. They went on to live and work in Tamworth NSW, a country town we knew well. Since that time we have shared many experiences by email, post, and once more in person in Toronto, in 2007. Typically generous of you both to come and meet up with us travellers.
Dorothy was a lovely, vibrant personality, prepared to share friendship and care – everyone was her neighbour. She brought such joy and was an inspiration to us all. You will be missing her to help you along on this earthly journey. May God give you strength till you meet again.
Del and Jeff Greenaway, Australia
Don and Judy Squire
To Dorothy’s Family,
Your dear Dorothy meant so many things to so many folks and she will be missed by all whose lives she touched.
Don and Judy
Liz Hodgins & Alan Gates
Mark, Ann, Laura & Brent,
We are so sorry to hear of the passing of your Sister/Aunt Dorothy’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Keep your memories of Dorothy close now and in the future, to get you through the difficult times.
Sending hugs 🤗 your way.
Kimberley Cooke
Dear Bob, Shawn, Mark and Family:
We are all deeply saddened to hear the news of Dorothy’s passing.
We shall miss hearing her happy laughter, having chats and seeing that infectious
smile she wore always. She truly was such a wonderful caring soul and we shall mourn her loss with you all.
We pray that she rests in sweet peace and that you can find some comfort in the many cherished memories that you all have of Dorothy.
Deepest Condolences, Your neighbors…Kim, Dwaine and Dylan Cooke
Penny McComb
Ann and Mark, Sending hugs! Always so difficult to say goodbye. Keep your memories close to your heart. Thinking of you ! Penny and Darrell
Susan Cook
Robert, Shawn, Mark and Sam. My sincerest condolences on Dorothy’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Joyce Sovereign
Ann,Mark,Laura,Brent ,your Mom ,and the rest of your sisters family
Sending my sincere sympathy to you all ,so soon after the loss of another sister,a big loss for you Ann .
For your dear Mom ,l cannot send enough caring thoughts her way ,having lost a child myself ,l cannot imagine having to lose two before yourself .
My deepest sympathy to you all ,during this very sad time
Leroy and April Bryan
We were so saddened to hear of Dorothy’s passing. Her warmth and cheerfulness will always be remembered. Our sincere sympathy,
Leroy and April Bryan
Heather Bardoel
Bob, Shawn and Mark and family, our deepest sympathies. I pray warm memories of the best fun family times comfort you at this time of profound loss of an incredible wife and mother and grandmother. Dorothy was an amazing nurse and touched so many people with her beautiful smile, laugh and amazing care. To all her colleagues my deepest sympathies as well, there was not one of us who did not love Dorothy. A true dedicated friend and mentor to so many. Heaven sure gained a beautiful well loved soul! May God bless you all and may you feels his peace and may he give you strength in the days ahead.
Brenda Ryan
My deepest condolences to Bob, Shawn, Mark and family. Dorothy was one of a kind: always seeing the positive side to everything and everyone. Incredibly kind and caring with a never ending smile. She will be greatly missed by all.
Dan & Judy Alce
We were sorry to hear about Dorothy. Our thoughts & prayers are with all of you during this sad & difficult time
The Benner's
Dear Foster/ Garrett Families….Sincere sympathy on the sad passing of such a sweet soul. I have not seen Dorothy in many years but have fond memories of the Garrett family sitting in the pew in front of us at church in Granton, and also attending bridal showers and community functions. As I think of Dorothy with great respect, I always say, “Once a Granton Gal, always a Granton Gal”. The thoughts of those treasured memories bring a smile to my heart. I expressed those same feelings about Joan and unfortunately I am repeating myself all too soon now with Dorothy. I know your hearts will be heavy but I hope you can draw support from each other as you share these challenging days of overwhelming grief. Heather , Don and Family
Kim Smith
Rob,
I was so saddened to hear about Dorothy’s passing.
She was such a beautiful and caring woman.
I hope the lifetime of memories you had together brings you and your family some peace.
Love, Kim (Pam & Rick’s daughter)
Jennifer (Nursing Friend)
My condolences to the family .She was such a great and loving person, a super nurse. Dorothy’s infectious smile, her caring attitude and and her positivity will be missed.
Glenn & Sue Rollings
Ann, Mark, Laura & Brent. Our deepest sympathy on the loss of your loved one. Glenn & Sue Rollings and family
Bruce White
Bob and family our deepest condolences in the loss of your partner and beautiful mother. Dorothy was such a sincere and caring person. I believe the obituary described the type person she really was. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Dorothy will be missed but not forgotten.
Bruce and Gayle White
Faye Skinner
Bob, Shawn, Mark and the rest of the Garrett and Foster family:
Our deepest condolences at this sad time in the death of Dorothy.
We met in grade 3 at Biddulph Central school near Lucan and have remained friends ever since. We always kept in touch throughout our lives.
Dorothy was energetic, bubbly and so full of life. Her smile was infectious.
I was praying for a miracle since the diagnosis of her cancer, but God had other plans for her and she will suffer no more in his loving care.
I will be forever grateful for her friendship and being a part of her life. She will be missed by her family and the larger community.
RIP my dear friend
Larry and Faye Blair-Skinner
Virginia McAdam
Our family was saddened by the news of Dorothy’s passing. As a child I always loved her beautiful smile. Thoughts and prayers from our family to yours.
Virginia Garrett McAdam and family
Gayle Garrett
Steve Garrett and family
Virginia McAdam
Our family was saddened by the news of Dorothy’s passing. As a child I always loved her beautiful smile. Thoughts and prayers from our family to yours.
Virginia Garrett McAdam and family
Gayle Garrett
June and Steve Vidler
Dearest Bob, Shawn, Mark and family,
We are so heartbroken to hear of Dorothy’s passing. She was a most cherished, longtime friend. A friendship that began in 1974 when we lived on campus as student nurses. Following a year after our careers began, Dorothy moved back from Florida and we then shared an apartment together in London. During the next 3 years of work, fun, laughter and more work, we met our future husbands and ended up marrying just a month apart, standing up as bridesmaids in each others wedding party. Since that time, Steve and I had remained her dear friends, shared and enjoyed many cherished memories together.
Dorothy was the kindest and most caring person, had a heart of gold, always had the loveliest of smiles with such a joyful contagious laughter. Truly, she shone brightly for all who knew and met her. We feel blessed to have shared in a part of Dorothy’s life. She will be greatly missed but loved forever.
Sending our sincere heartfelt condolences and loving thoughts and prayers.
Jan Brown
The world will never be the same without you in it “little Dot”. 😔
Ron & Merna Scott
Ann, Mark & Family
Sorry to hear about the loss of your sister. Thinking of you during this sad time.
Sarah Smith
Dear Bob and family, Please accept my Sincere Sympathy at this sad, sad time. You have lost a Beautiful, kind, loving human being, she was a loving soul and a terrific Nurse we have been friends since first meeting in the 70’s at the LPH, and I have cherished her friendship ever since. She will be missed greatly, I was so hoping and Praying that she could recover and be healthy again. May She Rest In Peace and God Bless all the family. Love and Hugs, Sarah Smith.
Tom Gougoulias
Dear Bob and family.
I was very saddened to hear about Dorothy.
My sincerest condolences for your loss.
Cherish the wonderful memories.
May her memory be eternal.
God Bless.
Bev and Barb Shipley
Ann,Mark,Foster and Garrett families
Our thoughts and prayers go with you at this time as you have lost a dear loved one.
Bev and Barb
Don & Deanna Beatson
Dear Rob and Family,
So sorry to hear of Dorothy’s passing. She was such a beautiful, kind soul, and certainly one of my best students ever. May you know God’s
love and comfort at this time. Don and Deanna
Catherine McRoberts
Dear Bob, Shawn, Mark and family, we are so sorry to hear of Dorothy’s passing. We will always remember her smile and kind manner, she was truly a beautiful person. Thinking of you, at this difficult time. Glenn and Cathy McRoberts and Family
Helen Delorme
William and Helen Delorme
Ann, Mark and Family
Our deepest condolences to all of you.
In Dorothy’s passing please accept our prayers.
Joe and Marlene French
Bob and family, Our sincerest condolences to you and also the Garret family as you mourn the loss of Dorothy. She always had a smile and a giggle when we met.
Marlene and Joe French
Dave and Joanne Walzack
Ann, Mark and the Garrett and Foster families
We are so saddened to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.
Diane and Mike O'Shea
Our hearts ache for Dorothy’s family and the Garrett and Foster families. Dorothy has been in our thoughts and prayers since the cancer diagnosis. Please accept this note of sincere sympathy. Remembering our dear friend, Joan, Dorothy’s sister at this time, too.
Diane and Mike O’Shea
Deborah Hoffman
Bill and Deborah Hoffman are very saddened by the news of Dorothy’s death. She and Deborah have been friends since 1977 as new nurses working in Clearwater Florida. The great friendship sustained over the years despite the distance. Dorothy was one of the most positive and generous persons we ever had the privilege of knowing. We were blessed to have had her in our lives!
Much love to the entire family.
Bob and Lorette Mawson
Ann and Mark and all the families, sending our condolences at this sad and difficult time.
Earl and Julia Martene
Our condolences Ann, Mark and family. We did not know Dorothy well however, we do know she was a lovely lady and will be sadly missed.
Erika & Suzie Lucas
Ann & Mark, Foster and Garrett Families…
Our hearts are extremely heavy in the passing of your beloved Dorothy. Her smile would light up any room and her sincerity and genuine personality are just a couple of her many amazing traits. She has left her imprint on so many lives – we are truly blessed to have met such a beautiful person! Those we love never go away…they walk beside us everyday. With deepest sympathy…Erika & Suzie
Barbara Johnson
I went to Medway with Dorothy and remember her as a wonderful kind person. So sorry for your loss.
Joan Robson
Bob and boys
Some years ago we sat at your kitchen table and talked about kids, holidays and eventually insurance. I remember how welcome I always felt at your place.You will miss Dorothy so much but remember all the fun times you had together.
Thinking of you
Joan Robson
Janet Jeffs
Bob , Shawn and Mark,
We are saddened by the news that such a wonderful wife , Mother and Grandmother has departed from this life!
Her memory of her cheerful smile and gregarious interaction with friends will always be in our hearts forever…. Peacefully she rests and her memory will live forever
Lots of love
Janet&Sylvain
Paul and Karen de Ruiter
Bob, Shawn and Mark
Paul and I would like to extend our condolences to you and also your extended family. We pray for peace as you mourn the passing of Dorothy.
Dorothy was such a positive and genuine person who really cared about us and everyone around her. We cherish our many years together as friends, watching each other’s children grow up, sharing time with each other in our backyards and just popping by to see how everyone was doing. Dorothy was a special friend and we will miss her immensely! Her laugh was one we will never forget.
Treba Garrett
My sincere condolences Bob and Family,
I am so sad to hear of Dorothy’s passing…. far too soon.
She was such a kind, vibrant, and giving person.
Her loss will be felt by many.
Treba
Bill & Joyce Garrett
We are so very sorry to read of Dorothy’s passing. Sending hugs to you.
Cherish all those wonderful memories. She was a delightful lady. RIP
She will definitly will be missed by many.
Glenn & Sharleen Phillips
Mark & Ann and the Foster& Garrett Families
So sorry to hear of Dorothy’s passing.Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time
Randy/ Willa Brown
First of all my condolences to the immediate family; Bob, Shawn and Mark.
We (Willa and Randy Brown (Samantha’s parents ) ; we only met Dorthy and Bob on a couple of occasions and enjoyed every occasion.
Dorothy was a very special lady and was dedicated to her family, community and church.
She will be missed by all but most importantly by her husband Bob,their two sons (Shawn and Mark) that are dealing with their emotions at this point; I wish them the space to heal emotionally and to remember all the good times as a wife, mother and just a wonderful person.
She will especially be missed by her grandchildren, Logan and Hazel who will always remember her as a very special grandmother as they grow and develop through the years ahead.
Carolynn
Mark Ann and family
Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your dear sister Dorothy
Paul and Carolynn
Hodgins
Brian and Mary Currah
Our heartfelt condolences to Bob, family, and friends. I always enjoyed running into Dorothy at Giant Tiger when Brian and I would go shopping. She always made time to chat with us. She was a very thoughtful woman.
She will be missed by all who had the pleasure in knowing her.
Jocelyn Schuler
I am so sorry for your loss Bob, Mark, and Shawn. I have so many wonderful memories of time spent in your backyard, specifically splashing in the pool! Dorothy was always such a wonderful host and we always felt so welcomed at your home. Her smile, sweet voice and laugh will forever be remembered. May you be comforted during this time of grief, knowing she is no longer suffering. Draw near to God and the peace that only he can bring during these hard times.
Sending my love,
Jocelyn Schuler (Kennedy)
Shelley Rieger
Shelley Rieger (Kennedy)
Bob, Shawn, Mark and family,
My deepest condolences to all of you. Dorothy was always such a loving ,kind, compasionate soul. She was a dear friend and I will always cherish the wonderful times we shared as families at holiday times, summer times and our camping times. Cherishing our memories is what keeps our loved ones alive in our hearts.
Loving thoughts and prayers for you all.
Jan and Ron Fox
Bob and family we are shocked and so very saddened to learn of Dorothy’s passing. Dorothy is so well described as always smiling, her very sincere and genuine personality and her natural ability to relate to all people was phenomenal and greatly appreciated by so many. Please accept our prayers sincere condolences.
Lois McCallum
My condolences to Bob And family.
Dorothy and I met at LPH in the late 70’s and then again in the 80’s at UH. For ever a smiling face, a gentle kind and caring soul. Loved her humour and positive personality and will be greatly missed by her family and extended nursing family. Hugs Lois McCallum
Joyce Hutchison
Dear Rob and family ,I am so sorry to hear of Dorothy’s passing,she will be greatly missed, she was always so friendly to everyone, grief is horrible but remember all the good memories that you have of family gatherings