August 23, 1930 – March 25, 2026
Dorothy was born in Elmsdale, PEI, to Hazel and Emerson Hardy. She was the seventh of eleven children. Dorothy attended nursing school in Summerside, PEI, and graduated in 1952, top of her class. Dorothy took a nursing position in Cochrane, Ontario, and arrived by train; the local newspaper headline read: “Four RNs Arrive By The Northlander.”
On her second night in Cochrane, her blind date was Charles Gray. They married in September 1954.
Dorothy lived and worked as an RN in Cochrane, Timmins, Pembroke, and Lindsay, Ontario. In 2015, Charles and Dorothy moved to Huntsville and enjoyed life closer to the cottage and family. Charles died in August 2016.
Dorothy’s most precious place on earth was the cottage that was built at Canoe Lake, Algonquin Park, in 1950 by Charles. Nature was always important to Dorothy, and wherever she lived, she rewilded patches of grass to befriend birds, bees, and insects. Dorothy never smacked a spider and often had them tucked safely away in her home, often to our surprise. Dorothy skinny dipped, paddled, and was a happy soul until her final stargazing.
Her death by MAID was a difficult choice, as she loved this world.
She is survived by her children Jane (Randy), Stephen (Clare), and Karen (Dave). Grandchildren Madeline (Michael), Nicholas (Maggie), Emily (Dan), and Claire (Leo). She is survived by her brother Vernon Lorne Hardy, age 104, of PEI.
Special thank you to caregivers Vanessa, Mary Ellen, and Arti, nurses Rena and Thara. These simple words cannot express the entirety of our gratitude.
A gathering to celebrate Dorothy will take place in the future.
In memory of Dorothy, skip cutting the grass, love a weed, and go for a skinny dip.
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Thinking of your family during this difficult time. Dorothy was so kind and loving. I strive to be just like her!
Karen, Dave, Jane, Randy and family.
I was deeply saddened to read about the passing of Dorothy. Please accept my sincere condolences during this difficult time.
I know Dorothy will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and the positive impact she had on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
I really hope you guys can find strength in the love and support of family and friends, and comfort in the many cherished memories you shared with her. Especially those Canoe lake memories. Our thoughts are with you as you navigate this profound loss.
With deepest sympathy,
Matt, Candace, Jaiden, and Hannah