Obituary of Dorothy Canning

Dorothy Alondia (Chisholm) Canning passed away at home a week before her 91st birthday, early in the morning of August 16th, 2024.

Born in Westville on August 22 1933, she was the daughter of the late John Chisholm and Mary (McAulay) Chisholm. She is pre-deceased by her siblings; Jack (Ruth), May and James.

Dorothy was pre-deceased by her husband and soulmate of 72 years, Russell Canning. The two began dating when she was 14 and their great love lasted a lifetime. Dorothy lived a year and a half since Russell’s passing and missed him every day. 

Beyond anything in this life, Dorothy was a matriarch. She was a mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.  Dorothy and Russell created a dynasty of generations, cultivated in love and support. 

In her life, Dorothy’s vocation always involved children. She babysat generations of family and a town’s worth of other children. Dorothy impacted so many young lives. Decades of folks carry on her teachings.

Dorothy’s favorite times were on her front veranda and kitchen, surrounded by family and friends. Anyone (and everyone) was always welcome for a chat (or dirty talk or gossip). The things said in Dorothy’s kitchen stayed in Dorothy’s kitchen. She was a woman of many names. She frequently answered to Mom, Grandma, Dort, Dot and even Maud.

Dorothy was a great artisan. She painted ceramics, crocheted, and quilted for decades. Many of her family have homes full of her creations.  A woman of strong mind, she was an avid reader and fan of word searches. Also a woman strongly of her own mind, she would start every book by reading the final chapter and cheat from the back of every word search.

Dorothy was an avid Elvis fan and all things associated with the Royal Family. Additionally, she was a huge (and often reluctant) fan of the Toronto Blue Jays. She was loud and proud in her opinions and preferences. You never had to wonder what Dorothy was thinking or feeling; for she always had the loudest voice in the room. She was, however, often the kindest and funniest voice in that room too. 

A mother of nine, Dorothy is pre-deceased by her daughter, Ruthie; sons, Chet, David and Russell; grandsons David Allan and Rob; daughter-in-law Debbie; son-in-law John. 

She is survived by her sons; Jack (Pamela), Clayton (Donna) and Donald (Susan), and her  daughters; Cathy Van Den Eynden and Mary Jane Marcott (Louis); daughter-in-law Charlene Canning; sister-in-law Kay MacLeod. She is also survived by her sister, Mary (Sandy) Lays, who was her greatest friend and confidant. Additionally, survived by ten grandchildren, Jason, Vanessa, Stephanie, Michael, Jen, Jacob, Randy, Chris, Kati and Christie; fifteen great-grand children, three great-great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A special thanks to the VON for taking such great, loving care of Dorothy in her later years, who she frequently mentioned were great sources of love and care. A funeral service will be held at 11am on Friday August 23rd at Eagles Funeral Home. Interment to follow in the Auburn cemetery. A reception will take place at St. Paul United Church, Westville following the Interment.

In honor of Dorothy’s love for anything bright and bold, we encourage funeral-goers to wear your brightest colors and patterns. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pictou County chapter of the VON. 

"To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is not to die” Thomas Campbell 

https://www.youtube.com/live/fkBIwXzgzK0?si=Qs-yeKfCGzW7B1nT