Passed away peacefully at the South Huron Hospital, Exeter on Friday, April 10, 2020. Beloved wife of the late Gordon McTavish (2002). Dora and Gordon enjoyed 56 years of life together. Dear mother and best friend to Nancy and her husband Jim Wilton of London. Loving grandmother to Joshua Wilton and family of London and Mandy Lytle and family of Guelph. She enjoyed daily telephone conversations with her sister Nancy of Guelph and loved hearing from her nieces and nephews. Mom was a cherished friend to many. She was a good listener and continued to make new friends throughout her life. Our family would like to give heartfelt thanks to the very special people who made it possible for Mom to remain in the home that she had enjoyed for seventy years. She looked forward every year to sitting on her back porch with company, her cats and a cup of tea. We also wish to express our gratitude to the staff and residents of Prince George Retirement Residence for the care and conversation that they shared with Mom over the last four months.
Cremation has taken place and a private family graveside service will be held at a later date in the Exeter Cemetery. A public celebration of life will be held in the future when family and friends are able to gather and share love, support and hugs. Haskett Funeral Home, EXETER entrusted with arrangements (519-235-1220).
If you wish to donate in her memory please consider the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 167, Exeter or Animalert of London.
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).
Margaret Desjardine
Dear Nancy & Family…. Sympathy in the loss of your Mother. She was a dear sweet soul. I had the pleasure of her company many times, mostly at the Independent store in Exeter. We must have had the same shopping days. One time it was so funny..she came up to me & said ” oh, I’m so glad you’re still here. I had my mind in this item I needed when I saw you down the isle but I knew if I stopped to speak I would have forgotten what I came in for! If only she knew…I’m the same way!! We both shared a hardy laugh. You will have so many memories to cherish Nancy. It’s not an easy thing to lose our parents, but she will be re- united with her beloved partner & can you just imagine the time her & Vera will be having. Catching up on all the things that have happened. I will miss seeing her too. She was always impeccably dressed & her hair done just so.
Remembering you especially as your first Mothers Day is coming. You won’t need a special day though…we all miss our Mothers everyday.
Thinking of you with kindness and love. Take care..Love & hugs..
Margaret Desjardine ( Jennison) ❤️
Judy Ellerington
Nancy and family, I was so sorry to hear of your Mom’s passing. She was a beautiful , caring lady. I have had many conversations with her over the years. Remember going there to get apples from your Dad, and visiting with them both, sitting on the back porch, petting the cat. How she loved them, and I do also. So sorry this is coming so late, but I wish to express my sympathy to you.
Kevin Schmidt
I have so many wonderful memories of Aunt Dora – her love for family gatherings, her deep appreciation of nature, and her devotion to her cats! The stories, her laughter, and her big smile will be forever remembered.
Tammy
To Dora’s family. She was a beautiful thoughtful lady who I enjoyed seeing whether it would be at Pet Valu and then Canadian Tire for her cat stuff. My deepest sympathy. Tammy
June Moore
Dear Nancy and Family
Sending my condolences. Shared many good memories with your parents.
June Moore
Jon and Judy Arnett
Nancy and Jim and family. We were so sad to hear that Dora had passed. We know that you loved her dearly and we enjoyed seeing her at the cottage when she came to visit. What a delightful lady she was! I’m sure she knew that she was loved by you and many others! Do take care during this difficult time and we look forward to seeing you in the future. Jon and Judy Arnett
M.J.Chanyi
Nancy & Jim, I was so sorry to hear about Dora, We have had so many great times together over the years. Your dadGord & my husband Ron were good friends, & golfing buddies. I will miss her, always cheerful, always warm & comforting.
hugs
Mj
Dave and Susan Bice
Dear Nancy, Jim and family,
So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Our hearts go out to you as there is something very special about a Mom, and I know she was very special to you. Virtual hugs to you all.
Dave and Susan
Heather,
Nancy, Jim and family,
We are so sorry to hear of Dora’s passing. We got to know Dora as a kind and wonderful neighbour when we were first starting out as a family. We remember walking through our backyard to sit and enjoy great conversations with both she and Gord. I loved hearing about her shopping trips with Nancy and we shared a common bond of where the best places to go were. We have such fond memories that will always bring a smile to our faces. Thinking of all of you at this sad time but take comfort that Gord and Dora are reunited once again.
George and Sue Wilson
Dora’s family, heartfelt sympathy on the passing of your Mom, Grandma and sister. Dora was a lovely lady. I remember her from my childhood. She and your Dad were very kind and friendly. Hugs and prayers, George and Sue (Insley)Wilson
Jane Archer Smith
Dear Nancy, I am very sorry to hear you have lost your mother. Mothers are so special, and I know how very much you will miss her. I am sure your family will look forward to better days ahead when you will be able to say a goodbye among friends. Mothers also have a way of growing upon you with the passing of each year. I send you virtual hugs of comfort. Jane Archer Smith
Hannah
Very sorry to hear of her passing. She was a lovely neighbour and we always enjoyed our little visits with her and her cats. Jeff, Abby, Brandan and Craig Hannah.
Marg Prout
Jim and Nancy….
My heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. I have known Dora for many years and often
Chatted about the old days of ODC and of course the lives of Graham and Vera and Doug and
Norma. We both enjoyed those conversations and had a few laughs as well. Dora was such a
Sweet and gentle lady. I shall miss seeing her.
Bob Higgins
Nancy A very short time ago I was thinking of the old neighbourhood and growing up on Senior Street, yourself and your parents came to mind. Sorry for your lost, we all had a great upbringing in a great neighbourhood.
Dave & Marcia Crockett
Dear Nancy, Jim and Family, The world will be a little less bright without Dora’s great smile. We loved seeing her when she visited Shangrila. She was a wonderful lady. Our thoughts are with you at this difficult time and may the world soon return to a time when she can be remembered properly. Sincerely, Dave & Marcia
sharon white
Dear Nancy and Family
So sorry to learn of Dora’s (your mother’s) passing. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers
Sharon White
Brenda Dayman
To all of Dora’s Family & Friends
Sorry to see the passing of Dora….what a wonderful, Happy woman she was. Always smiling, so glad I had the opportunity of meeting her. She had a Great Life. Thinking of you as you lay her to Rest!
Yvonne/Jim Barnetson
So sad to hear the loss of your mother Nancy!
She was such a beautiful lady!
Hugs
Yvonne (Fisher) Barnetson
Angela McLean
Our memories of Dora will be of a special friend, sweet and petite, a real class act. In particular, we recall the many times over the years we got together with Dora, at our place, during the Christmas season, with some of our other lovely lady friends. We will miss her, but we know that she has gone right straight to heaven. Our hearts go out to you Nancy, and Jim and your family. You made your mother proud.
Angela & Kim McLean
Bob and Helen Coates
We extend our sincere sympathy to Nancy and family. Your Mom was such a friendly and gracious lady and it was a joy to visit with her . May all your lovely memories comfort you.
Margaret Brintnell
To All Of Dora’s Family
Such a beautiful lady. I knew both Dora & Gord for a lot of yrs. Such Great People. I worked with Gord at Ont. Dev. Corp many yrs ago. I extend my sympathy to all of you at this sad time. So many beautiful memories to share now & in coming days. Bless You All.
Margaret Brintnell
Wanda Reynolds
Dora’s Family
My thoughts are with you at this time of sorrow. I was wondering about Dora since returning from the South and was looking forward to are visits. Bob will miss her phone calls.
Bob and Wanda Reynolds
Dave Frayne and Cathy Cade
To Nancy, Jim and family:
Sorry to learn of Dora’s passing. She and Gord are reunited, may your memories of her bring you comfort.
Lynda McTavish Ashbourne
Nancy and Jim – we were so sorry to hear about Aunt Dora’s passing, and so sorry that we can’t physically be together to celebrate her life and share warm memories with you. I think of my own childhood memories of both of them, and of more recent times in Exeter when our kids were younger. What stands out most for me, however, is the extremely kind and gracious note Aunt Dora sent to my mom & dad when sister Jen passed away a few years ago. Her kindness, clear memory, warm caring, and gentle loving spirit were so evident in that brief note. What a gift to be able to reach out and touch her heart to ours in such a genuine manner! Uncle Gord and Aunt Dora will stay in our hearts as a gentle and warm reminder that we have been well-loved in this extended family. Reaching out with our own love and caring – Lynda (McTavish) & Dan Ashbourne and family
Matt McCormick
Dear Nancy & Family,
I’m very sorry to hear of the passing of Dora. I have very fond memories of my time with Dora as a young boy. I’ll remember her for her sense of humour and love of laughter! She was always very good to me and our family. Thinking of you all.
Lots of Love,
Matt, Rachel, Carter, Cody McCormick
Dave & Sharen newman
we had some great visits with Dora as she lived next to our daughter and we would see her out on her deck . She loved life and enjoyed everyone she spent time with .We will miss seeing her.
Cy& Eleanor Blommaert
Jim & Nancy ..So sorry to hear your Mom has passed
Always had a smile and a friendly wave .
She will be missed.
Our deepest condolences
Cy & Eleanor Blommaert
Kim Newman
I’m so sad to hear of Dora’s passing, but she will be home with Gordon the love of her life. I will miss her as a neighbour , she had a heart of gold for Gods creatures stray cats, birds, skunks and even the odd Possum just to name a few. I know she will be dearly missed by everyone her heart touched. My deepest sympathy to the family.
Louise Stonehouse
My deepest condolences. Dora was a most delightful person…always a smile and welcome either in the back yard as neighbours or the grocery store. I will miss sitting outside and not see her sitting out there too. How she loved her kitties! Easter of course for Dora! Will miss her!
Anmarie Kraft-Hoffman
My deep & heartfelt Sympathy to you Nancy, Jim & family. Dora was a very dear neighbor & ‘friend ‘of mom & dads for many years……Such a caring, beautiful lady, I remember fondly, both our familes holidaying together, at Miller Lake so many years ago. Also sitting on her back porch for a summer afternoon visit just a few yrs ago. Sending ‘Hugs’ your way Nancy……….. Anmarie
Linda Webber
To the family of Dora:
What a sweet lady she was and always had a smile on her face when l visited with her on behalf of the Exeter Legion Ladies Auxiliary. A 5 minute visit would turn into an hour with the cat always checking to make sure she was alright.
Our deepest condolences.
Linda And Eugene Webber
and the members of our Ladies Auxiliary.
Sandra Dobson
Sorry for your loss. Dora was a good friend we had tea and a lot of laughs. She was one of my favourite
ladies. She will be missed by many.