Obituary of Dorothy Ellen Morris

With sad hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, Dorothy Ellen Morris, whom God called home to heaven on April 27, 2025, at her residence, the K.E. Spencer Memorial Home, Moncton, NB, at the age of 92.

Born January 18, 1933, in Toronto ON, to the late Arthur and Ethel (née Elliott) Morris, she was the 3rd of 7 children. Named Dorothy, after the nurse who helped deliver her, and Ellen, after her paternal Grandmother, Ellen (née Brown) Morris, who she developed a life-long bond with. Gramma Ellen taught her how to sew, bake, and cook, and inspired much creativity over the years.

Dorothy graduated from Toronto Western Technical-Commerce High School in 1951 and held many clerical positions in both Toronto and Ottawa, including eight years as Office Manager for Carver Art Flowers, Toronto. In 1978, she returned to school and obtained her Accounting Certificate from Seneca College, ON, eventually working at their Leslie Street campus as Office Co-ordinator for 14 years until her retirement.

Dorothy would proudly tell you she was one of the last true Torontonians, and she had experienced Hurricane Hazel firsthand when it hit Toronto in 1952. Her favourite flowers were always Hollyhocks, which reignited memories of gardening with her dad in their backyard on Westport Ave.

Living mostly in areas of Ontario and Quebec, she eventually came to New Brunswick with daughter Joanne and family. She loved to travel and over the years visited New York, Florida, Edmonton, Vancouver, and the Maritime provinces, Cape Breton being her favourite place as it reminded her of her much-loved trip to Ireland with her dear friend Jo-Jo Figliozzi.

Dorothy always enjoyed being an active church member. When her family was young, she taught Sunday school, was a church secretary, and throughout the years was an active member of the United Church Women (UCW), the women’s auxiliary of the United Church of Canada.

After retirement, she held the self-titled position of Family Genealogist. Following in her dad’s footsteps, she enjoyed over three decades researching her parents’ family trees, finding many branches and collecting interesting facts and stories. It was an accomplishment that she was very proud of, so we felt it suitable that her story here be detailed. Mom, you grew a beautiful family tree full of love with many branches that will continue to grow because you gave it wonderful roots, and we live our lives as your legacy. Rest now in peace without pain, in Jesus’ loving arms. We love you to the moon and back, always.

Dorothy will be lovingly remembered by her brothers, John Morris (Diane), Holland Landing, ON, and Ken Morris (Peggy), Belleville, ON; and dear friend and sister-in-law, Marion Charkow (Paul), Thunder Bay, ON; three children: daughters Joanne (née Neufield) Lyon (Doug), Riverview, NB, and Stephanie Neufield, Toronto, ON; and son Paul Adam Neufield (Christine), Shanghai, China; eight grandchildren: Scott Lyon (Alicia), Sarah (née Lyon) Feldman (Steve), Logan Neufield, Breanna Neufield, Natalie (née Smith) Greco (Vince), Vashti Wisdom, Jahmari Wisdom (Jade), and Isaiah Wisdom; and seven great-grandchildren: Abby Lyon, Rosalie Feldman, Jorgina Greco, Juliano Greco, Mariah Wisdom,and Everleigh Wisdom; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents, Dorothy is greeted in heaven by sisters, Emily Morris, Muriel (Midge) Carson, and Ellenor (Ellie) Davis; brother, Clifford Morris; brother-in-law, Allan Davis; and great- granddaughter, Elizabeth Wisdom.

Dorothy’s family would like to give a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful caregivers at Spencer’s Home, especially the staff in the Applegrove wing who called her Mama, gave her hugs and kisses on her head, sat and comforted her on days that were more difficult than others, and always greeted her with a smile. You were all a blessing to her, and we are very grateful for your thoughtfulness.

Arrangements have been entrusted to the professional care and direction of Fergusons Riverview Funeral Centre, 214 Pine Glen Road, Riverview, NB., E1B 1V6 where visitation will be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, with a memorial service to follow on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at 11:00 am. A celebration of life will be held in Ontario at a later date, during the time of inurnment at St. James; Cemetery, Toronto, ON.

In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations in Dorothy’s memory made to Hillsborough United Church, NB, the Arthritis Society (Canada), or a charity of the donor's choice.

Online condolances and memorial may be shared at www.FergusonsRIverview.com.