Dorothy Parnell
Died: August 20, 2020 | Place: University Hospital, London
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Obituary
PARNELL, Dorothy Gertrude…
(1919-2020)
Dorothy Gertrude Parnell passed away on August 20th as gracefully as she lived, two days after her 101st birthday. She was the matriarch of her enormous family who loved her dearly. Raised in Quebec City, a graduate of Queen’s University (1940), she lived her adult life in London, ON. Dorothy is predeceased by her husband of 58 years, Douglas E. Parnell (1998), her sons Gordon (1943) and Ted (1981), and her daughter Sandy Mullen (2019). She will be missed daily by her daughters, Anne Richards (John) of Kingston and Peg Herbert of Ottawa, and her son Tim Parnell (Judy) of Armstrong, B.C. Dorothy was the cherished grandmother of Peggy (Steve), Dave (Christie), Heather (Tom), Brent (Suzanne), Mark (Julie), Jesse, Lucas (Adrienne), Abel (Jessica), Dawson (Leah), Ben (Kristen), and Kate (Megan). She was a great-grandmother to 21 adorable children. Dorothy loved travelling with her husband, reading voraciously, swimming, golfing, following the lives of her favourite players, walking, and loved the Toronto Maple Leafs. Her commitment to community service was inspiring, including volunteering at the CNIB, palliative care at Parkwood Institute, Wesley-Knox United Church and Help Lesotho. Dorothy was past President of the Queen’s Alumni (London Chapter) and gave an annual scholarship to a mature student at the Ban Righ Centre. Her summers were spent with children and grandchildren at her beloved family cottage on Tea Lake. Special memories were made there. She was the last of her generation, predeceased by her brother John Matheson (Edith), Catherine Carty (Ken) and Margaret Slemon (Gordon) and adored by a multitude of wonderful nieces and nephews. As the cornerstone of this enormous family, she modeled for us the importance of family and friends. Our sincere thanks to each staff member at Mount Hope Centre for Long Term Care who were unfailingly kind, attentive and positive. A family memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial donations can be made to the Dorothy and Douglas Parnell Fund, c/o The London Community Foundation, 130 King Street, London, ON N6A 1C6, Help Lesotho, 610 Bronson Avenue, Ottawa, ON K1S 4E6 or to the Ted Parnell Scholarship Fund through the Yukon Conservation Society, 302 Hawkins Street, Whitehorse, YT Y1A 1X6. Arrangements entrusted with A. Millard George Funeral Home, 519-433-5184. Online condolences, memories and photographs shared at www.amgfh.com
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I grew up with The Parnell Family: Wonderful, loving, thoughtful caring nurturing. Always there. Dorothy quiet and always listening. I miss Doug and now Dorothy.
I will always remember!
Even though I never met Dorothy i person I felt like I “knew” her through the many pictures and stories that Peg shared of her beloved mother over the years. I was always inspired by what I learned of her strength, her faith, her wisdom and her generosity. My condolences to all of you in her large family that will miss her so much.
my condolences on the passing of Dorothy. I have good memories of dinners with the family during my time at UWO in the 1960’s.
Dorothy and Doug Parnell were our neighbors in Lockwood Park. Son Tim and I were almost the same age and had some good times together. Both Doug and Dorthy (Mr Parnell and Mrs Parnell to me at the time) were wonderful mentors to me and many, many others. I miss them both.
My sincere condolences on Dorothy’s passing but what a great age and life well lived! I have fond memories of my W-K visits with both Doug and Dorothy as well as other times shared with our families. Their memories will be treasured for many years to come.
Dorothy was truly an amazing soul. She was kind, generous, thoughtful and loved life and family.
We will cherish our memories with you and Sandy.
Dorothy made a difference in so many lives.
Our heartfelt condolences to all your family.
Dorothy was a wonderful lady. She was one of a kind. You could always go to her
when in need of some of her good wisdom. We shall miss her.
Chris and John Webb
My mother Helen LeBreton went to high school with Dorothy and they kept in touch through annual Christmas cards. My parents lived in Quebec City where I grew up. I met Dorothy when I was at UWO and she had me over for a wonderful dinner. I remember the lovely evening. My sincere condolences to all your family
I had the pleasure of knowing and taking part in Dorothys care for several years. She was such a bright light and very modern for her 101 years. She shared her birthday August 18 with my 11 year old son always sending me home with a card for him. Going to work is truly not the same without our chats all throughout our day. She was always asking about myself and my family. She was truly one of a kind. I also had the pleasure of knowing her daughter Sandra also as lovely as her mother. Dorothy was never the same after the passing of her beloved daughter. To the rest of the Parnell family my heart goes out to you all. And it was a pleasure to know Dorothy and I will honestly never forget her.
Dorothy was such a kind and beautiful woman. I enjoyed my many conversations with her and will miss hearing from her. She was like a grandmother to me and she will truly be missed.